Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati Bengals played their first preseason game Thursday night.
They lost.
That doesn’t matter.
The first-team offense—Joe Burrow flanked by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins—strolled out against the Eagles’ second-team defense, marched down the field twice, and scored two touchdowns on two drives. It looked too easy, because it was too easy. That’s exactly how it should have gone.
Everything else was another story.
The defense, even the starters, didn’t look sharp. And that was against an Eagles offense missing its starters. But again, maybe that doesn’t matter either.
One preseason game doesn’t write a season narrative. Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill—40% of the starting secondary—didn’t play. Yes, their backups got outplayed by backups, but those backups were wearing the jerseys of the defending Super Bowl champions.
I’m not making excuses for a bad showing… okay, maybe I am. But losing the first preseason game isn’t a big deal. These are practice games. Veterans like Logan Wilson, B.J. Hill, and Jordan Battle are adjusting to Al Golden’s new defensive system. Others are rookies, or also learning the scheme.
Here’s the real point: in 2024, one of the reasons the Bengals missed the playoffs was a slow offensive start. If they’d beaten the Patriots in Week 1, they’d have made the playoffs. That won’t be the case in 2025. The first-team offense looks ready to roll. I’m not a big bettor because I’m a Nervous Nellie, but I’ll toss $3 or $4 on Burrow winning MVP.
What about the defense?
Even if it’s not ready out of the gate, I think a top-tier offense can carry the Bengals to 2–0. If the defense adjusts before the schedule tightens, the ceiling rises. If not, we’re probably talking about fighting for a wild card spot.
Is that good enough? No.
The Bengals didn’t do enough this offseason. They could have been more aggressive at guard or in the secondary. They should have locked up Trey Hendrickson immediately. There were opportunities—Brandon Scherff or Will Hernandez at guard, a veteran corner or safety for competition—that could have made this roster look like a first-round bye contender. They didn’t take them.
Still, I think they’ll be better than last year. The offensive line is improved (better doesn’t always mean good enough), and Burrow has thrived behind worse. The defense has reinforcements: injured DBs returning, rookies with upside, and—if they get Hendrickson back—real pass-rush potential. I’m high on Shemar Stewart’s freakish athleticism and Demetrius Knight’s fit alongside Wilson.
Bottom line: the 2025 Bengals should be better than the 2024 Bengals. I think they’ll make the playoffs. Beyond that? Hard to say.
Preseason odds and ends:
