There was not much rotation in Cincinnati's roster, but the Bengals believe they know the keys to a change.
Cincinnati – A quick walk through the Cincinnati Bengals costume reveals some similarities.
The two ping pong tables, although they are used less frequently just after training compared to previous years, are still in the center of the room. The field marshal Joe Burrow He still has the first locker near the hall that passes through the equipment room and gives access to the rest of the room. And as for who are there, there are also many of the same faces.
After missing the postseason the last two years, the Bengals did not make big changes. Of course, there are a couple of new headlines. But if this year's template will be better than last year, it will not necessarily be due to great acquisitions or great changes in the costumes.
“I feel good with the current situation of our team,” said the Business coach Zac Taylor, this week. “I am excited to finish the preseason and play games because I see what I see in training. I am very excited by many of the players we have.”
When the Bengals began the preseason, they knew that there would be important contractual decisions for three of their best players: the receivers Ja'arrr chase y Tee Higginsand the defensive wing Trey Hendrickson.
Chase and Higgins ended up charging, with extensions for a total of $ 276 million. Hendrickson is not training while trying to get a new contract. The great investment in the two star receivers ended up dictating the team's preseason plan.
“When we decided to work on the pieces of Tee and Ja'mar, that definitely influenced what could be done otherwise,” said the executive vice president of the Bengals, Katie Blackburn, in April at the meetings of the NFL League.
Most of the changes were made in the backbone of the field: the center of the offensive line and the defensive line, and in the lineBacker position. However, there are only four additions that are projected as headlines in week 1. This includes two rookies: the left guard Dylan Fairchild and the linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.
The most important movement that could impact the team occurred in the coaching staff. Lou Anarumo, a defensive coordinator during the first six seasons of Taylor, was replaced after the defense was among the last positions in several categories at the end of last season. Anarumo was immediately hired by the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive coordinator.
To Golden, who was previously a linebackers coach of the team and, more recently, defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, left the university ranks to occupy the same position with the Bengals.
Whether in the draft or in the free agency, Golden identified the characteristics that the newcomers of the team have.
“We simply wanted a group of smart, hard and initiative boys,” Golden said. “We achieved many leaders, many captains of their respective universities or previous teams. And we believe that this is the formula we need.”
Of the new defensive headlines, the defensive TJ Slaton Tackle and the Knight LineBacker are the main additions that can help a defense that was located in the 26th position of the League last season on average yardas per haul on the first and second chance, according to ESPN Research.
For the third year safety, Jordan Battlean important restructuring was not necessary after last season.
“I feel we are fine,” Battle said. “Compared to last year, I feel that there is not much difference. In the end, it's just about wanting. If (Golden) will make the right decision, it's about us in the right spaces and we play well.”
However, at least one position is still unknown. Cincinnati has not yet appointed a holder as a right guard. Cody Ford y Lucas Patrickwho signed a one -year contract in the free agency, have participated as holders and are dealing with injuries.
It is no secret that the Bengals have not played well at the beginning of the season. In the last six seasons, Cincinnati has only won a victory in the first two weeks of the season, the worst percentage of victories in that period of the League.
Battle knows that the formula to improve this season is no secret. “Win games soon, get out of the field, pass the ball to Joe,” Battle said.
The defensive wing Cam Sample He added that this season will be an opportunity for younger players on the squad, such as the second year player Kris Jenkins Jr., Ascend and demonstrate that they can be great taxpayers.
And for those who have been in the locker room, that could be all the Bengals need to improve.
“I think this is the best template for the 2025 Bengals,” Sample said. “We have everything we need here.”
