The Cincinnati Bengals' rushing attack entered this season with higher expectations than any year in recent memory. Alas, Chase Brown has not looked up to the task of being a franchise running back. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Samaje Perine is capitalizing on his opportunities.
In Week 5's 31-24 road victory over the Miami Dolphins, Perine was clearly the better Bengals ball-carrier. He had 14 rushes for 68 yards, whereas Brown had only 13 and 39.
It was encouraging to see Perine get a larger share of the carries. The bye week is the perfect time for Cincinnati to make preparations for Perine to be the new RB1.
Joe Burrow calls Perine 'Mr. Reliable' following Week 5 breakthrough
Whenever Joe Burrow throws around praise, it's typically as accurate as his passes. He can sometimes defend teammates to a fault, but what's he gonna do? Throw people under the bus to the general public?
Burrow's postgame comments about Samaje Perine from Sunday (via The Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway) weren't necessarily a shot at Chase Brown. It's just that, Burrow really hyped Brown up before the season, only to see him not deliver.
"He's just Mr. Reliable, and he has been my entire time here since he's been on our team. You can count on him to fall forward to get us an extra two. You can count on him to win against a linebacker in coverage. He's such a valuable piece for us. Certainly doesn't get enough credit for it."
Yeah. Brown can't get yards after contact to save his life. Perine is a thicker, more powerful runner, and given the Bengals' limited playbook, they need someone who can get north and south, doesn't hesitate, and still packs enough punch as a pass protector and pass-catcher to keep defenses honest.
You can't get much purer "north and south" than this rushing chart from Perine in Week 5:
Everything up the middle for Perine today, but that's where he's effective. pic.twitter.com/cRTVySFUJq
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) October 11, 2026
There's a negligible difference between Perine and Brown as receivers out of the backfield. Sad but true.
If Perine can beat Dolphins Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Jacob Rodriguez across his face — granted, it took a perfect throw from Burrow on this TD — that's good enough for me.
Samaje's first TD of the season.#CINatMIA at 1:00 PM on Fox pic.twitter.com/bQtKCLMPzb
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 11, 2026
If it were up to me, I'd try to find a better lead back and keep Perine as a gritty change-up who can gut out tough yards between the tackles. Alas, unless the Bengals make a trade or take a flier on, like, Raheem Mostert in free agency, there's no real speed demon out there who runs with power.
Duke Tobin could try to hit up the Dolphins about Ollie Gordon II before the trade deadline. I doubt they want to deal him, especially after losing De'Von Achane to a torn ACL not long ago.
The Bengals often commit to "their guys" beyond a time frame that is advisable. I won't be surprised when Brown is still the lead back in Week 7 against the Ravens. But for me personally, Samaje Perine has already proven he deserves to be Cincinnati's No. 1 back after Week 5.
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