Bengals Start 0-2 Again: A Deep Dive into Cincinnati’s Frustrating Start

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a familiar but frustrating position, starting 0-2 for the third consecutive season. Their recent 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. There’s plenty to unpack, from offensive struggles, defensive lapses, and key moments where the game slipped away. Let’s break down the game and what it means for the Bengals moving forward.

Offensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities

Chase Brown Deserves More Snaps

One of the early observations from the game was the limited usage of rookie running back Chase Brown. On the Bengals’ opening drive, Brown had a standout 11-yard run off a well-executed inside zone play behind right guard Alex Cappa. However, after this explosive play, he was promptly taken off the field, and veteran back Zach Moss took over.

While Moss had his moments, particularly in short-yardage situations, there’s no denying that Brown’s speed and agility could add a dynamic element to the Bengals’ offense. Brown’s ability to make defenders miss in space makes him a valuable asset, and it’s puzzling why he wasn’t given more opportunities, especially in an offense that has struggled to find consistency in the running game.

Jermaine Burton’s Underutilization

Another head-scratcher was the underutilization of wide receiver Jermaine Burton. On one play, Burton managed to get wide open, but Joe Burrow overthrew him. Later, Burton made an incredible downfield catch, showcasing his potential as a deep threat. Yet, despite these flashes of brilliance, Burton was not heavily involved in the offense for the remainder of the game.

Given the Bengals’ depth at wide receiver, it’s understandable that there are only so many targets to go around. However, when a young player like Burton shows the ability to make big plays, it raises the question of why the coaching staff isn’t finding more ways to get him involved. Both Burton and Chase Brown are young talents who could provide much-needed explosiveness to an offense that has been inconsistent to start the season.

Jamar Chase’s Frustrations

Star receiver Jamar Chase was visibly frustrated throughout the game. Matched up against Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, Chase struggled to get open and was clearly irritated by the lack of big plays. His frustrations boiled over after a key play where he felt a defensive penalty should have been called but wasn’t. Chase’s outburst led to a costly flag, and while his passion is understandable, it hurt the team in a critical moment.

Chase’s frustration may also stem from the Bengals’ slow start on offense. After sitting out much of training camp with injuries and watching from the sidelines, he’s likely eager to make an impact but has been unable to do so consistently. While he’s still one of the most dynamic receivers in the league, the Bengals need to find ways to get him more involved in their offensive game plan and keep him mentally focused.

Defensive Woes

Run Defense Issues: Missing D.J. Reader

Defensively, the Bengals struggled to contain the Chiefs’ running game, particularly on Kansas City’s opening drive. With defensive tackle D.J. Reader out of the lineup, the Bengals’ interior defense was noticeably weaker. Kansas City ran the ball effectively, with Isaiah Pacheco picking up significant yards and helping the Chiefs march down the field.

Sheldon Rankins, who has been a solid addition to the Bengals’ defensive line, and veteran B.J. Hill both played well at times, but the absence of Reader was felt. The Bengals’ defense was pushed around in the trenches, and this lack of physicality allowed the Chiefs to control the tempo early on. Injuries to key defensive linemen further complicated things, leaving Cincinnati vulnerable to the run game.

Linebacker Play and Keem Davis-Gaither’s Interception

Linebackers Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt had up-and-down performances. While both are typically strong defenders, they struggled to contain the Chiefs’ running backs and tight ends at times. However, Keem Davis-Gaither provided a spark with a crucial interception on Patrick Mahomes, a play that temporarily shifted momentum in the Bengals’ favor.

Still, Cincinnati’s defense needs to improve its speed and tackling in space, as the Chiefs were able to find soft spots in the zone defense throughout the game. The Bengals leaned heavily on zone coverage, moving away from their typical man-to-man defense against Kansas City. While this approach worked in some situations, it also allowed Mahomes to exploit mismatches and extend drives.