In the Zac Taylor era, the Cincinnati Bengals have been notorious for slow starts. One season was due to COVID, three seasons were due to Joe Burrow‘s injuries/rehabs, but regardless, the team has been rough in September under the current coaching staff. As a result, the Bengals have been searching for the best way to remedy the obvious weakness. One suggested fix was allowing starters to actually play in the preseason. As a result, Burrow has been on the field for longer than he ever has in just two games.
While that experience may not be extensive, it was invaluable for the success of the Bengals in 2025.
The Significance of Burrow’s Preseason Participation is Invaluable
But First, The Negatives
When playing starters in the preseason, the obvious risk is injury. For Burrow behind an offensive line that has continuously failed to keep him clean, the risk is still there. Against the Commanders, Burrow played three drives for a total of 24 snaps. Of those 24 snaps, Burrow dropped back 16 times. Of those, two stand out, both sacks.
On the second drive, the Bengals were facing third and two from their own 21. Washington brought three…and all three met at the quarterback. It was an ugly rep by four of the offensive linemen; Dylan Fairchild looked good, though! It was an infamous call, with Joe Buck pleading, “Go down, Joe, it’s August!” Burrow tried to extend the play, as he does, but the offensive line did him no favors.
“Go down Joe, it’s August.” – Joe Buck is 100% right lol pic.twitter.com/QthENXShUL
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 19, 2025
On the second touchdown drive, and Burrow’s final, he was roughed up again. This time, Burrow had time, couldn’t find anyone, stepped up, then tried to roll out to escape Deatrich Wise‘s grasp. The veteran defensive lineman ended up getting called for a horse-collar tackle, keeping the drive alive. However, that’s not a hit you want the franchise quarterback with a history of injury (on that field, no less) taking.
Joe Burrow got up and is OK, but this is 100% the last drive he should get tonight. He’s taken multiple hits. Horse collar tackle extends the drive. pic.twitter.com/1pJEDxb9ao
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 19, 2025
Thankfully, Burrow exited the game after a beaut of a touchdown to Charlie Jones, and the franchise is safe. The hits he took were not ideal and even resulted in the free agent acquisition at right guard getting benched. However, even these can be considered good for Burrow and the Bengals.
Burrow is one of the quarterbacks in the NFL who likes/doesn’t mind getting hit. He’s one of the guys who wakes up once he gets hit. Considering his legendary run at LSU was sparked by a dirty blind-side hit in the final game of the 2018 season, it fits. Burrow has had the cobwebs knocked off, so to speak. While he said he’d be willing to suit up for the final preseason game, the work is done.
More: A Preseason Legend is Born: Mitchell Tinsley
The Best Part
Offensive line issues aside, the Bengals’ passing offense is elite. It was the best in the NFL last year and is well on its way to repeat in 2025. The first drive was methodical. After nine plays, Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins marched down the field for a score. Then, Chase and Higgins were pulled, and Burrow got to throw to Jones, Andrei Iosivas, Tanner Hudson, and Noah Fant, essentially the second line of weapons.
While Fant did not register a target, he was out there, pulling defenders away from his teammates. Burrow was likely going to sit after the second drive. But, due to the fact it ended in a three-and-out, he went back out there for one more. As a result, the Bengals scored again.
Iosivas and Jones made plays and solidified their roles in the offense. The best part of Burrow going back out there with that lineup is the sheer fact that you cannot bank on health in the NFL. Higgins is notorious for missing games. Chase has dealt with a few nagging injuries here and there. If the Bengals lose one or both, they cannot afford to lose a step on offense due to the ineptitude of the defense. Getting more reps with Iosivas, Jones, Hudson, etc. could be the difference between a win and a loss down the road.
Iosivas is already expected to step up for the Bengals this year as the possible WR3. With Jermaine Burton still nursing an injury, the reps are there for the late-round Princeton product.
All in all, while fans were wondering why Burrow was still out there, it was ultimately the right move. With just one more preseason game, the starters should relax and get ready for the Cleveland Browns on September 7.
Main Image: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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