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The Bengals will have their work cut out for them this offseason, but what about at running back?
It comes as no surprise to suggest that the Cincinnati Bengals have their work cut out for them this offseason, especially if the team hopes to be relevant in the AFC in 2025.
The front office made almost no effort to put together a Super Bowl-contending roster and missed on nearly every free agent signing from this past offseason.
Outside of Amarius Mims, most, if not all, of the rookie class has been a non-factor in big moments which is a key piece to being a contender after paying your quarterback. The Bengals need help at almost every position like IOL, DT, DE, CB, FS, SS, WR, K, and RB.
The last position listed is still somewhat of a debate with how well Chase Brown has played this season.
Has Chase Brown done enough to be RB1 for the Bengals in 2025?
Let’s see…
Since losing Zack Moss, Brown has become a three-down workhorse back for the Bengals.
Cincinnati even traded for Khalil Herbert at the trade deadline, but he has been nonexistent thus far in the Zac Taylor-led offense.
Brown currently has 607 rushing yards on 140 carries, averaging just over four yards per carry. Brown has also found the end zone five times.
In addition, Brown is a weapon in the passing game, especially with how much Burrow trusts his check-down options. Brown has tallied 207 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 35 receptions this season.
The stats look decent enough, but the run game has been an issue for Zac Taylor and Frank Pollack since Joe Burrow arrived in Cincinnati.
There has not been a true threat in the run game this season for the Bengals, making it easy for opposing pass rushes to get after Joe Burrow.
Also, one of Brown’s biggest issues is his fumbling issues. Although he only has two this season, the biggest one of his career was against the Ravens which shifted the entire momentum of the game.
If Brown doesn’t fumble, do the Bengals win? That is tough to say now, but it was a game-shifting moment for sure.
The NFL is turning into a two-back league, and the Bengals do need someone to at least compliment Chase Brown in 2025.
All in all, there are levels of issues with the Bengals run game, but let’s ask the question again, has Chase Brown done enough this season to be RB1 for Cincinnati next season?
Let us know below:
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