The Cincinnati Bengals are due for a fresh start

It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals have struggled in recent years, and with a new QB looking likely, a scheme change, as well as a culture change, could be in order.

I’ve talked about what should happen in preparation for the Cincinnati Bengals before they select Joe Burrow such as upgrading the offensive line. Aside from improving the line, there is going to need to be some tweaks made in the Bengals system.

Burrow has shined in LSU’s system. They like to run a shotgun based, no-huddle offense out of the spread. Under Zac Taylor, the Bengals don’t run a whole lot of shotgun, so a change could be necessary. With guys like Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Auden Tate, C.J. Uzomah, and possibly A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, I could definitely see this team finding success in a spread offense with Joe Burrow taking the snaps.

Mixon is an elite running back in the NFL, and I think he’s been underutilized in the passing game. Getting him involved in the passing game will be a lot easier running out of the spread offense, and with him being a factor through the air, it could help boost his already excellent rushing attack.

So who else can benefit from a scheme change aside from Mixon? A spread offense can help a quick receiver like Tyler Boyd create more separation, therefore get more receptions. More looks for a back to back 1,000-yard receiver like Boyd can boost the Bengals offense and help them move the ball.

A quick offense that relies on speed and wears out defenses would be a change of pace for the Bengals, but we have the weapons that can make a transition like this a success. Guys like Tate and Uzomah can get more involved and I like the chances of John Ross having a breakout season with a new offense and an accurate quarterback like Joe Burrow.

Aside from the scheme change, a change in culture would bring new life to the Bengals. A young coach, a young roster, and a young quarterback is a fresh start that is past due for the Bengals. Players like Mixon, Boyd, Jessie Bates, and a possible addition in Burrow (with the other young core) are young players that love playing the game and have fun doing it.

I know this article all rides on if the Cincinnati Bengals take Burrow first overall, but regardless, changes like this are needed to turn this franchise in the right direction. As a team that’s been stuck in mediocrity for a while, I think most Bengals fans can agree a young, exciting team is a great step toward building for the future. It could be a struggle for the Bengals to adjust to these changes at first, but with the Bengals in the current state they are in, change is good.