The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense in 2024 was almost unstoppable. There were a few clunkers along the way, but on the whole, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the rest of the offense could hang with anyone. The issue, once again, was the offensive line. Ted Karras was solid at center. Orlando Brown and Amarius Mims were the best tackle combo the team has had in quite some time, despite issues here and there. However, the glaring issue with the offense was the guard situation.
Cordell Volson and Alex Cappa were, statistically, combined as the worst guard unit in the NFL. Cappa was legitimately the worst guard in the league, hence the team’s decision to let him go. Now, with one vet returning, one depth piece inexplicably re-signed to a multi-year deal, one outside veteran, and two draft picks, the guard battle is going to be interesting.
Ben Solak of ESPN highlighted the guard battle — specifically the right guard battle — in his 100 things to look forward to piece. Under his “11 jobs with question marks” section, Solak said:
“Staying on our theme of AFC contenders and key offensive line positions, the Bengals are filling the shoes of Alex Cappa (released as a cap casualty) with either incumbent Cody Ford or free agent addition Lucas Patrick. Neither is a thrilling option, which leaves the door open for rookie third-rounder Dylan Fairchild to win the spot. Guard play was a big issue for this team last season, and Joe Burrow’s injury history makes poor pass protection feel all the more concerning.”
Bengals Guard Positional Battle Will Be Crucial For Success
Volson, Ford, Patrick, Fairchild, and fifth-round pick Jalen Rivers are likely going to battle for the two guard spots. Seth McLaughlin is a UDFA out of Ohio State who could make noise…if he fully recovers from his Achilles injury.
Volson has been a popular cap casualty pick among the folks who cover the Bengals. Considering the fact that he has experience and restructured the final year of his contract to help out the team, it’s looking like he’s going to be a Bengal in 2025. Now, the question will be whether or not he will be the starter.
In OTAs, the two guards in the first-team drills were Fairchild on the left and Patrick on the right. Obviously, anything can happen, considering it’s not even June yet. However, it’s something worth mentioning as it sets the stage for the most important of the Bengals’ positional battles.
Fairchild was drafted in the third round and is considered a plug-and-play kind of player, so he may be able to slot in on either side. Patrick was a free agent signing who is in town on a one-year deal and was considered to be just a floor-raising signing.
Scott Peters, known for his innovative approach to offensive line technique and player development, brings a fresh perspective to Cincinnati. Peters values linemen who are athletic, intelligent, and adaptable—traits that fit the Bengals’ blend of zone and gap-blocking schemes. His background in teaching hand-fighting and leverage should help younger players accelerate their development and improve pass protection for Joe Burrow.
Peters’ emphasis on fundamentals and versatility means that linemen who can quickly pick up the playbook and execute in multiple roles will have a distinct advantage. His track record of maximizing the potential of developmental players could be a key factor in shaping the Bengals’ 2025 guard rotation.
Outlook for 2025
The Bengals’ offensive guard situation is defined by uncertainty and opportunity. With no entrenched starters, the door is wide open for emerging players to seize starting roles and for depth pieces to prove their reliability. The competition at both guard spots will be one of the most important storylines of training camp, and the results will have a direct impact on the offense’s success this season.
As Peters works to mold a cohesive and resilient unit, the Bengals’ hopes for a strong 2025 campaign may rest on the development and performance of their interior line. The Bengals’ positional battles on the offensive line are set to be a must-watch as preseason unfolds, with the potential to shape the direction of the entire offense.
Read More: Bengals Have the Hardest 3-Game Stretch in the NFL
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