We learned the Cincinnati Bengals' defense is the biggest concern after the preseason game vs. the Washington Commanders.
The Cincinnati Bengals' starting defense didn't do anything to change the narrative heading into this year's NFL season in a win over the Washington Commanders Aug. 18.
After a year in which the Bengals’ defense significantly underperformed so much that the defensive coordinator was fired after the 2024 season, the entire offseason was supposed to be devoted to fixing its issues.
Cincinnati’s starters played in the first two preseason games and the Bengals’ defense has disappointed and it’s hard to say much looks improved.
It’s the preseason and the Bengals are trying to put as little on tape as they can as far as their scheme − head coach Zac Taylor said as much after the first preseason game when the Bengals lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the lack of attention to detail from a fundamental standpoint and the tackling against the Commanders on Aug. 18 should have been better. It’s unacceptable from this group of players to make those types of mistakes at this point in the preseason.Whether the franchise did enough to improve the defense will be the biggest storyline this season.
Bengals offensive line issues at guard
In addition to the starting defense struggling, the Bengals have a problem at right guard. Injuries are mounting and the depth is being tested so much that Taylor had to play his fifth-round rookie Jalen Rivers with the starting offense at one point against the Commanders.
It’s unclear if that was due to Lucas Patrick suffering an injury or the coaching staff wanting to get a look at Rivers with the starters, but none of it is ideal for a team predicated on the safety of their franchise quarterback.
Bengals defense gets exposed in run game
The Bengals gave up 17.7 yards per carry on six runs when the starting defense was on the field against the Commanders. Washington ran for 59 yards on its first two running plays.
The Bengals ranked No. 19 in the NFL in 2024 run defense allowing 124 yards per game. They need to be better in this area this year and that means several players need to step up.Defensive tackle TJ Slaton was signed in free agency to improve the run defense but he can’t do it alone. Kris Jenkins, Joseph Ossai, Logan Wilson, Demetrius Knight and Jordan Battle all need to show better than they did against the Commanders moving forward in the run game.
Bengals starting right guard job continues to be up for grabs
Who will enter the season as the Bengals’ starting right guard? That question remains unanswered with one preseason game to go.
The Bengals are a pass-first offense. Everything is centered around Burrow and what he can do with his arm. This means the team is going to pass more than most teams and his protection needs to hold up long enough so that he can get through his reads and find the open receiver.
Last year, the Bengals struggled so much at the guard spot they moved on from Alex Cappa and forged a new plan at guard. This plan so far has consisted of drafting rookie offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild, re-signing Cody Ford and signing Lucas Patrick.
Fairchild looks the part and has won the starting left guard role. On the right side, things remain unsettled. Patrick is good in the run game but has struggled throughout training camp and the preseason games at times. Ford is dealing with an undisclosed injury at the moment and is the team’s best option at tackle if something were to happen to Amarius Mims or Cody Ford.
Rivers, the Bengals’ fifth-round pick out of Miami, saw starting reps for the first time on Monday.
The Bengals are reportedly bringing in veteran guard Dalton Risner for a visit on Tuesday. It appears they’ll give him a look for the job as well.
Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley shines, makes push for roster spot
Get used to hearing the name Mitchell Tinsley over the next two weeks as the Bengals finalize their 53-man roster.
Tinsley, who signed with the Bengals this offseason after a stint with the Washington Commanders in 2023, caught two touchdown passes against his former team.
He’s made plays throughout training camp and has impressed Burrow so much that Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback praised him on national television in an interview on ESPN during the game.
“Hopefully, he’s secured a spot for us,” Burrow said of Tinsley. “He’s a guy you can really count on.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals defense vs. Commanders biggest concern | Analysis
Category: Football
