Recent history can tell us what Zac Taylor can’t about how much the Bengals’ starters will play in the first preseason game
The Cincinnati Bengals open their preseason schedule next Thursday night at Paycor Stadium against the Detroit Lions. The biggest question heading into the exhibition is how much Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the rest of Cincinnati’s starters will play.
The Cincinnati Bengals open their preseason schedule next Thursday night at Paycor Stadium against the Detroit Lions. The biggest question heading into the exhibition is how much Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the rest of Cincinnati’s starters will play.
Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Thursday morning that his starters will see the field at least a little bit against Detroit, but offered no specifics on a snap count.
Taylor and the Bengals plan to feel the situation out, and last year’s preseason opener provides a reliable blueprint for what to expect.
What Cincinnati’s 2025 preseason opener tells us
Cincinnati opened last year’s preseason on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Burrow, Chase, and all five starting offensive linemen played 16 snaps across two drives that took the entirety of the first quarter. Tight end Drew Sample played 13 snaps, while Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas played 12 each.
On the defensive side, the starters also played two drives, with the second drive bleeding into the second quarter. The Bengals had their nickel personnel on the field for 13 of the 14 defensive snaps. Geno Stone was the only starter who played significantly under 14 snaps as he suffered a minor injury only four snaps into the game.
Two drives each for the starting offense and defense against the Lions makes sense as the expectation, but there’s a wrinkle to note.
The variable that could change things
The length of the opening drive is what Taylor and the staff will likely monitor. Against Philadelphia, Cincy’s offense scored an opening drive touchdown after 10 plays before going back out for a shorter possession that also resulted in a trip to the end zone.
If the offense goes 12 or 14 plays on the opening possession against Detroit, that could be the end of their night right there. The same logic applies to the defense.
I think Taylor and the coaching staff ideally want to keep their starters under 15 snaps. That typically equates to one long drive, or two drives with at least moderate success. The results of each drive could also play a factor. If the Bengals punt in the first two drives without picking up a first down on the first two possessions, Burrow and the rest of the offense may come back out for a third series.
Setting expectations for next Thursday
The first preseason game is always a bit tricky. It marks the first time any of these guys are out there for live action, but it is not the official dress rehearsal leading up to the regular season. Preserving the health of the starters will always be priority No. 1.
Set your expectations at two drives each for the starting offense and defense, barring a very long first possession for either unit.
