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The Bengals’ preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, was a game that put their strengths and weaknesses on display. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase looked like they’re already in midseason form, but the other side of the ball remains a work in progress under new leadership.
With Al Golden taking over as defensive coordinator, Cincinnati is navigating its most significant defensive transition in years.
Burrow & Chase Still the Gold Standard
If there was any doubt about the offensive chemistry between Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, Saturday erased it. Burrow was near-perfect in limited action—completing 9 of 10 passes with two touchdowns. Chase caught both of his targets, displaying the timing, separation, and field awareness that have made him one of the NFL’s premier receivers. This makes the pain of a Bengals preseason loss a little less painful.
For all the questions surrounding depth and defensive changes, the Bengals’ offensive identity remains anchored in this elite duo.
The Geno Stone Setback
The biggest blow of the night came when safety Geno Stone left with a soft-tissue injury. Labeled “week-to-week” by head coach Zac Taylor, his absence could stretch into the early regular season.
Stone was a headline free-agent signing, brought in to shore up a secondary that struggled in 2024. His ball-hawking skills and leadership were expected to be a perfect fit in Golden’s more aggressive, player-empowered defensive scheme. Without him, the Bengals’ safety depth will be tested immediately.
The Al Golden Era Begins
Replacing Lou Anarumo was never going to be a small job. Anarumo’s defenses were built on disguise, communication, and adaptability—qualities that carried the Bengals deep into the postseason in past years. But after an inconsistent 2024 campaign, a change was made.
Al Golden, a familiar face in Cincinnati from his stint as linebackers coach (2020–2021), returned this offseason after an exceptional run as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. In South Bend, his defenses ranked second in the nation in points allowed (14.3 per game) and ninth in total yards allowed in 2024, leading the Fighting Irish to a national championship appearance.
Golden’s philosophy blends physicality with speed, emphasizing gap discipline up front and aggressive ball pursuit in the secondary. The Bengals also added Sean Desai as senior defensive assistant and Jerry Montgomery as defensive line coach/run game coordinator—further signaling a shift toward a more attacking, front-loaded defensive style.
Mixed First Impressions of the Bengals’ Preseason Loss
Saturday’s performance wasn’t a fair evaluation—Trey Hendrickson, Cam Taylor-Britt, B.J. Hill, and other starters sat out—but it did expose the challenge ahead.
The backup-heavy unit struggled to get stops, allowed too many chunk plays, and generated minimal pressure on the quarterback. Golden’s scheme is designed to manufacture pressure and force turnovers, but it requires precision and trust—two things that can’t be rushed in a new system.
The preseason showed flashes of the potential but also highlighted that depth remains a concern. When players like Geno Stone or a starting corner are missing, the drop-off is steep.
Bright Spots and Building Blocks
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Tanner Hudson caught two second-half touchdowns, continuing his preseason dominance and making a strong case for a bigger role.
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Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson returned to action after practice this week, giving the secondary a much-needed boost.
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Rookie PJ Jules made impact plays on special teams, potentially earning a roster spot in the process.
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First-round pick Derrick Harmon has shown the disruptive potential that Golden wants in his interior pass rush, even in limited preseason reps.
Looking Ahead After the Bengals’ Preseason Loss
The Bengals open the regular season against a division rival, where the stakes and intensity will be worlds apart from preseason. Burrow and Chase look ready to lead one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses. The defense, however, is still learning, adjusting, and trying to mesh Golden’s philosophy with the personnel on hand.
If Golden can get buy-in and execution from both veterans like Logan Wilson—healthy again and expected to be the on-field voice of the defense—and new arrivals like Stone once he’s back, the Bengals could field a unit far more consistent than last year’s.
Bottom Line:
The Bengals’ offensive foundation is as strong as any in the league, but 2025 will hinge on how quickly Al Golden’s defense can find its rhythm. If the unit can stay healthy, adapt to the new scheme, and avoid the explosive play lapses that haunted them last season, Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window remains wide open.
