Bengals coach makes it known what kind of running back Cincinnati will be looking to pair with Chase Brown
The Cincinnati Bengals don't have many needs on offense, but solidifying the running back position around Chase Brown will warrant some form of investment. Brown proved capable of handling a full workload during the second half of the 2024 season and was 10 yards from posted 1,000 on the year. He's not going anywhere, but 229 […]
The Cincinnati Bengals don't have many needs on offense, but solidifying the running back position around Chase Brown will warrant some form of investment.
Brown proved capable of handling a full workload during the second half of the 2024 season and was 10 yards from posted 1,000 on the year. He's not going anywhere, but 229 attempts may be a mark the team doesn't want him hitting again.
If Zack Moss was healthy, this may not be a debate, but Moss is still dealing with a neck injury and the club is unsure when he'll be good to go again. Cincinnati can't wait all offseason for that, so finding a new partner in crime for Brown will be a priority.
And now we have some insight on what kind of tailback the Bengals are looking for.
Bengals eyeing size to complement Chase Brown
When Brown was drafted back in 2023, he was thought to be the lightning to Joe Mixon's thunder. Mixon has been gone for a year, and Moss never quite proved to be a worthy replacement to complete the two-back pairing.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher revealed that adding a running back with size to join forces with the 5-9, 215 Brown is the most logical path forward.
"The easy answer is Chase isn't the biggest guy, so maybe if you have an opportunity to add a bigger back with a little more power repertoire to his game, that size helps you in protection," Pitcher told media members Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "But I say that with the caveat Chase really stepped up in his protection as well last year."
It's true. Brown proved worthy of staying on the field not just for his improved receiving ability, but the offense could rely on him to pick up blitzers in pass protection. It's a skill running backs on this team need with how much Joe Burrow throws the ball.
Size doesn't always equate to competency in this regard, but it certainly helps. Pitcher said they aren't married to this specific build considering how much Brown proved capable of handling multiple responsibilities.
"You can kind of look at it with a little bit of a blank slate and say let's find a way to add a really good football player," Pitcher said. "We know Chase has a well-rounded skill set. And depending on who we are able to add we can mold it and we can make it work. Credit Chase's development that we find ourselves in that position."
Still, Brown is an explosive back on the smaller end of the spectrum. It would do the Bengals good to find another back who can also generate yards after contact and be reliable blocking in the backfield.
Cincinnati has exclusively drafted running backs on Day 3 since Zac Taylor took over as head coach in 2019. That's the range you can expect Brown's new partner to hear his name called if they don't sign one in free agency.
Bengals’ lack of running back depth should lead them to drafting a fellow Tiger with a knack for explosive plays
Cincinnati already has a starting running back, but upside is still needed to fill out the position.
