The Cincinnati Bengals are notorious for their slow starts.
In fact, Zac Taylor is 7-15-1 in the month of September. This puts the Bengals behind to start every single season, and they spend months digging themselves out of the hole. The team may look good and start winning big games as one season nears its end, but then their winning ways go full Wyclef Jean as a new season begins. Which is to say that they are “Gone ’til November.”
Will this year be any different? Sunday may not give us all of the answers, but at least it will at least give us an idea.
So what do the Bengals need to do in order to go to Cleveland and bring home a win?
Gap Integrity
Let’s not sugarcoat it. The Bengals defense held them back in 2024.
This year, with the addition of Al Golden as defensive coordinator, there are high expectations, but in the preseason, the defensive unit was less than inspirational.
The biggest problem was gap integrity. They gave up some explosive runs simply because someone was out of their gap.
In Week 1, they need to show that they can play disciplined, sound defense, or the Browns will run for 200 yards on them. This is a very basic expectation, but one that is key to the team’s success this season.
Defensive Spark
Another problem that the Bengals defense had in the preseason, or more to the point, the starting Bengals defense had in the preseason, was a lack of fire. They seemed unmotivated and uninspired.
They need to find a spark. They need someone or something to get them going.
Every defense needs someone who can do this. It could be someone on the field or a coach on the sideline, but it is a necessity of defensive success.
The Bengals need to figure out who will be the emotional engine, who adds this piece to the defense on Sundays.
Maybe it will be one of the defensive captains, like B.J. Hill or Trey Hendrickson, both of whom were missing in preseason action?
Pressure the QB
You know what would help get them going? Some sacks in big moments.
You know who is good at getting sacks? Trey Hendrickson.
He is a huge piece of the equation, but they need more than just Trey. After all, Trey leading the league in sacks a year ago didn’t drag this defense out of the cellar.
There is a lot of talent on the edge, and Joseph Ossai and Shemar Stewart both have the versatility to kick it inside as well. Then there is former first round pick Myles Murphy, who is overdue for a breakout.
They need to put pressure on Joe Flacco and create opportunities for turnovers.
Pass Protection
This may be the best offensive line Joe Burrow has ever had, but it is far from perfect. Tackle looks pretty strong with Orlando Brown anchoring one side and Amaris Mims on the other. Ted Karras holds down the fort at center. The potential weakness is at the guard positions.
The Bengals will start rookie Dylan Fairchild at one guard and embattled veteran Lucas Patrick at the other.
Fairchild has massive potential, but rookie guards face a steep learning curve, particularly when they are playing against this Jim Schwartz defensive line. He will face adversity and must respond.
Patrick gets the nod over newcomer Dalton Risner. The veteran was billed as a skilled pass rusher but has dealt with injury and poor performance in the preseason.
This will be a real test for new offensive line coach Scott Peters, giving us a clear picture of where his group is at.
Stars Stepping Up
It’s hard to win games early in the season.
There are two problems. You don’t know who they are, and you don’t know who you are.
You don’t have much, if any, film on the opposing team, so you never know what surprises they could throw your way. You may have seen the Browns before, but you haven’t seen the 2025 Browns, so you don’t know for sure what to expect.
In September, you are also still figuring out who you are as a team. What is your identity? How do you win games?
While you are trying to figure it out, you need your stars to step up.
They are going to win this game because Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson step up and make the plays that matter at the most important moments.
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