The 2025 campaign kicks off on Sunday, September 7 at Cleveland. Following consecutive 9-8 seasons with no playoff appearances, the pressure was on in Cincy. The result – massive changes to the coaching staff. Lou Anarumo and the defensive staff are gone as is offensive line coach Frank Pollack. Expectations are high for a team that had a drama-filled but impressive offseason.
Offense:
Joe Burrow had the best season of any quarterback last season. Burrow led the league in passing yards (4,918), touchdown passes (43), passing yards per game (289.3) with the third best QB rating (108.5). He continues to improve each season – for my money, the best QB in the NFL.
The running back position had pop last year once Chase Brown was the featured back. The former Illini great rushed for 990 yards with deven scores on the ground along with 54 grabs for 360 yards and an additional 4 scores. They brough back Samaje Perine who is a good blocker in the pass game and drafted Tajh Brooks who could develop into a nice complimentary back to Brown.
The best receiver combo in the league produced big numbers last season. Ja”marr Chase won the “Triple Crown” with 127 receptions good for 1,708 yards with 17 touchdowns. Tee Higgins biggest criticism is his inability to stay healthy. He missed substantial time again last season but still managed big numbers with 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Andre Iosivas has developed into a quality third receiver. The former Ivy League star had 36 catches for 479 yards with six touchdowns. Disappointing players Charlie Jones and Jermaine Burton will get another shot this season but preseason star Mitchell Tinsley is lurking in the wings.
The tight end position consists of Mike Gesicki, who came on strong finishing with 65 grabs for 665 yards with two scores. They added Noah Fant in the offseason who could be a valuable addition in 12 personnel sets. Long-time Bengal Drew Sample made the roster along with Tanner Hudson and blocking specialist Cam Grandy. Expect Gesicki to have a monster 2025 season.
The offensive line underperformed again last season. They brought in Scott Peters to coach the group – drafted former Georgia Bulldog Dylan Fairchild to play left guard and late in the offseason signed free agent Dalton Risner. If they stay healthy and Risner takes over at right guard – this will easily be the best group Burrow has had in front of him.
Defense:
Enter former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Al Golden. The veteran coach is known for his aggressive- blitzing schemes which is a polar opposite to Anarumo’s laid back zones. Golden will have his work cut out for him. The Bengals “D” allowed 25.5 PPG good for 25th in the league.
The defensive line lacked burst outside of Trey Hendrickson last season. Simply put – no one produced expect Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks with 17.5. The other end position will now be filled by first round pick Shemar Stewart. Stewart has the potential to be a game wrecker in both the pass game and run game. He should take the pressure off of Hendrickson. The defensive tackles as a whole underperformed. The hope is the free agent signing of mammoth TJ Slaton will help on early downs versus the run. BJ Hill is a solid player at the other spot. Second year players Kris Jenkins, Jr. and McKinley Jackson need to take the next step. Backup ends Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy have not lived up to their draft slots – it’s now or never.
There is a new face at the linebacker position. Second round draft pick Demetrious Knight, Jr. replaces long-time Bengal Germaine Pratt. Veteran Logan Wilson will start alongside Knight. Wilson has had a really good career but injury concerns linger. Fourth round pick Barrett Carter will serve as an insurance policy for Wilson but will find his way on the field regardless.
The highly scrutinized secondary is confident they will play at a higher level due to scheme alone – playing fast with less thinking. They better as they were lit up throughout last season. The talkative Cam Taylor-Britt will serve as one corner with DJ Turner likely serving as the other corner. Josh “Fig” Newton will push for playing time. Former safety Dax Hill will start at slot corner. The safety tandem of Jordan Battle and Geno Stone do not exactly inspire trust. The duo was one of the worst in the league last season. The best friend of a secondary is a pass rush – therein lies the hope for improvement of the much-aligned back end.
Offseason grade:
It was certainly not a thing of beauty, and anything but smooth and strategic, but with that said, the offseason may be the best in the history of the franchise. Historic extensions for Ja”Marr Chase and Tee Higgins – a content Trey Hendrickson due to a substantial raise – starters Stewart, Fairchild and Knight via the draft – the addition of Al Golden as DC and the recent signing of Risner is a franchise altering summer that could and should lead to big things. Grade A.
Season Prediction.
Zac Taylor approached this offseason with a greater sense of urgency. They played starters – had more intensity in camp – all with the goal of a fast start which has alluded them during the Joe Burrow era. Given the schedule they better start fast this season. If not, Taylor should firmly be on the hot seat.
I anticipate a hot start going 2-0 then with a record of 7-2 at the bye week. If they do, look out. My final prediction: 13-4 with home field throughout the AFC playoffs. The AFC is still very good but not as top heavy as it once was. Thirteen wins might be enough to secure home field. Both the Bills and especially the Chiefs will have serious competition within their respective divisions. Joe Burrow shows his playoff magic leading the Bengals to their first championship with a win over the NFC’s representative – the Green Bay Packers.
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