SB LVI: Cincinatti Bengals Offense Preview
The Cincinatti Bengals have had quite the run to the Super Bowl, upsetting the Titans and Chiefs in the AFC bracket. While they have gotten strong contributions defensively, this team is more known for its offense —and rightfully so.
Before the Super Bowl this Sunday, let’s examine the Bengals’ offense, and what makes them so dangerous in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
Quarterback
Joe Burrow has taken the NFL by storm. The second-year signal caller from LSU could pass for a veteran, and he has proven himself on the biggest stage in the playoffs.
Burrow’s arm talent, pocket presence and accuracy are what makes him so special; he is a natural winner, and he changed the culture in Cincinatti the moment he was taken first overall in the 2020 draft.
Burrow has already become the first quarterback ever to be drafted first overall then start a Conference Championship game within their first two seasons. He has the chance to break even more records on Sunday.
Offensive Line
Cincinatti’s offense line has been a major weakness for quite some time; they allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL this season.
However, they held their ground against Kansas City in the AFC Championship, allowing just one sack, in a glimpse of hope for Burrow and the run game.
They will have their hands full with the Rams’ Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd coming after Burrow. The success of Los Angeles’ pass rushers will be an X-Factor for both sides—and if the Bengals can slow them down, they will be in a good position to win.
Running Back
Joe Mixon was eighth in the league this season in yards from scrimmage; his running and pass-catching abilities have been a huge part of this dynamic Bengals offense all year.
Mixon has proven himself as one of the NFL’s best running backs, posting his third 1,000-yard season in his five-year career in 2021. He splits some time with Samaje Perine, who has become a receiving-back and place-filler when Mixon is injured.
Look for the Bengals to get Mixon going early in the game to open things up more for Burrow and the passing game.
Wide Receivers
There isn’t enough that can be said about Ja’Marr Chase, the electric rookie receiver that has put up monster numbers this season.
Chase was the only player in the league to record multiple 200-yard games this season, and is now the all-time rookie leader for receiving yards in a game (266) and the Bengals single-season receiving yards record holder.
His huge-play ability, speed and hands are among the league’s best. Expect him to see a lot of targets in the Super Bowl.
Chase is surrounded by two very solid receivers in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, who are very reliable options for Burrow.
Tight Ends
CJ Uzomah, Cincinatti’s starting tight end, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s big game, after he suffered a left knee injury against the Chiefs.
Uzomah’s five touchdowns this season set a career high, and he has become a reliable red-zone target for Burrow.
If he were to miss the Super Bowl, Drew Sample would likely start in his place. Sample has not seen too much action this year, with just 11 receptions across all 17 games.
Daniel Mader is a second-year student majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
