The Cincinnati Bengals have wrapped up a difficult 2024 preseason, finishing with a 0-3 record after losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts. Their most recent game saw a 27-14 defeat against the Colts, as the team primarily focused on testing roster depth and preparing for the upcoming regular season. Key players were rotated strategically to allow coaching staff a closer look at potential lineups, assessing both veteran reliability and new talent integration.
Preseason Highlights and Key Takeaways
With the team at the bottom of the AFC North preseason standings, the Bengals used these games to experiment with various strategies, giving valuable field time to younger players and recent acquisitions. Quarterback play and defensive line performance were central to the evaluations, as both areas are expected to play pivotal roles in the Bengals’ regular-season campaign.
- Notable Matchups: Losses against strong defensive teams like the Bears and Buccaneers highlighted areas for improvement in offensive line protection.
- Key Players: Veterans saw limited action to prevent injuries, with rookies and depth players like backup quarterback Trevor Siemian and rookie linebacker D’Marco Jackson getting extended reps.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
While the preseason record may not be encouraging, the Bengals’ primary focus remains set on the regular season. Head Coach Zac Taylor emphasized that preseason performance is geared more towards long-term team strength and less about immediate wins. The Bengals’ primary stars, including Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, were used sparingly, aiming to keep them fresh and injury-free for Week 1.
The Bengals’ coaching staff will now shift from preseason assessments to refining game plans for their season opener, building on preseason learnings to ensure a competitive start in the AFC North.
