The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for one more ride with Joe Burrow as starting quarterback and Zac Taylor as the team's head coach, a season that will hopefully be the first of many based on the wishes of most of the team's supporters.
Burrow and the Bengals are scheduled to open the preseason on Saturday, August 10 against Head Coach Todd Bowles' Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Queen City. According to Taylor, the Bengals have chosen a plan for playing Burrow, along with the possibility of playing Ja'Marr Chase and other high profile starters.
Taylor shared the news as Burrow reacted to the team's “sick” new locker room. One player was listed as the one who could “make or break” the Bengals' 2024 season.
What will Taylor and the Bengals have up their sleeve by the time the preseason rolls around? They could have Burrow back in a Bengals uniform, for starters.
Taylor reveals the gameplan
Taylor said game number one of the preseason is the target for playing Burrow and other big name Cinci stars.
“The first game — I've got targeted the first game,” Taylor said. “I'm not setting anything in stone right now, but I'm optimistic that's where it's trending for our team.”
Whether or not Chase plays could be the big question of the preseason. Chase has not practiced since reporting to camp. Other question marks include standout defensive players Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson, who are week-to-week with injuries that have also caused them to stay off the field.
Bengals' early season outlook
The Bengals have a chance to jump out to a positive start with games against the Commanders in week three and the Patriots in week one to open the season. Sandwiched in-between is a game against Head Coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes' defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in what could be the most exciting and unpredictable game of the early season schedule.
Burrow and the Bengals are no doubt circling that one on their calendars, regardless of what they say to the media in public and in private.
Chase and Burrow have a score to settle with Mahomes after excruciating losses in recent years. We will see how far Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Taylor and the Bengals have come during week two. The Chiefs might be even better than last season, but the Bengals look to be just as talented as in previous years with extra juice in the battery for this year's grudge match.
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