Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has spoken often this offeason and into training camp about how he wants to instill a sense of urgency throughout the organization. The front office answered the bell, and as Burrow keeps reiterating, it's on the players to execute on the field.
Not that too much stock can be taken in the preseason, but the Bengals' 16-14 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday was a step in the right direction. Burrow and the offense took more reps under center than usual, and many of the rookies stepped up in a big way.
But what was most encouraging was how well the defense played. Not just the starters, who forced a takeaway when Jordan Battle got an interception. It's clear that the new-look defensive unit received Burrow's low-key but clear public-facing message and took it to heart at Paycor Stadium.
Joe Burrow challenged the Bengals' defense, and they answered the bell right away vs. Lions
Prior to Week 1 of the preseason, Kay Adams asked Joe Burrow whether this was the best defense he's ever had, or at least comparable to the 2021 unit that helped him to Super Bowl LVI. Burrow's response was equal parts complimentary and guarded:
"I don't know, we'll find out. I think it's certainly one of the most talented we've had. That doesn't always equate to production and effectiveness. I think we have the guys that are putting in the work to go out and realize these opportunities that we’ve created for ourselves. […] We can talk about how this is the most talented team we have, we think this is the best team we have [had], and I do feel that way. But we’ve got to go out and do it.”
Even for someone as confident as Burrow, you can tell he doesn't want to put the cart before the horse. This man has been snakebitten by the dreadful defenses of yesteryear, and whatever the supposed plan was on that side of the ball over the last three seasons of missing hte playoffs, it's gone up in smoke every single time.
Now some of this has to do with Burrow getting injured and missing roughly half his games in the 2023 and 2025 seasons. In between then, however, he led the NFL in passing yards and passing TDs in 2024, only to see his MVP-caliber efforts squandered by a putrid Cincinnati D.
The Bengals' starting defense looks great with new veterans like Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen joining the fold. What's most encouraging is how rookie second-rounder Cashius Howell has fared so far. He shared a sack with Kris Jenkins Jr. in his preseason debut. Howell wasn't credited in the box score, barring a retroactive correction. I'm counting it for my personal records!
And to be honest, the linebacker position still worries me, yet unheralded waiver-wire pickup Swayze Bozeman is showing signs of being a highly capable backup to Barrett Carter and/or Demetrius Knight Jr.
You can tell Burrow's "urgency" push has really resonated in the locker room. I've said words to this effect recently, but if Cincinnati has capable depth on defense to go with a Joe Shiesty-led offense that returns all 11 starters, and gets a stellar effort from kicker Evan McPherson, these Bengals really do have the makings of a complete team and a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Add us as a preferred source on Google