3 reasons why the Cincinnati Bengals' offense have struggled this season
The Cincinnati Bengals' offense have struggled this season. The young and explosive force that powered the franchise to a surprise Super Bowl appearance has looked out of sync. The blame for these woes falls mainly on offensive play caller and head coach Zac Taylor's ability to maintain a balanced offense. However, there is more to the problem than just coaching.
Here are three reasons why the Bengals offense is struggling this season:
#1. Lack of a running game
During the Super Bowl run, Cincinnati could hurt a defense through the air and on the ground. Running back Joe Mixon’s production has fallen off a cliff this season, and their run game has followed suit. Zac Taylor’s offense has lost balance and become too pass-heavy.
Joe Mixon just hasn't been the same this season https://t.co/cRywvSlLYw
The loss of a productive run game has placed a heavy playmaking burden on Joe Burrow. Despite the pressure of playing without a reliable run game, Burrow has responded well. Their quarterback isn’t the issue for Cincinnati, but their over reliance on his playmaking ability to get them out of trouble is. Getting the Bengals' run game going will take some of the playmaking burden off Burrow’s shoulders.
#2. Poor offensive line play
The franchise signed Alex Cappa, Ted Karras and La'el Collins in free agency this past offseason in hopes of fixing their offensive line. Despite these investments, Burrow has been sacked 30 times in eight games, trailing only second-year Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields in sacks taken.
Most times sacked since 2021 (including playoffs):
Joe Burrow 99
Justin Fields 67
Matt Ryan 64 https://t.co/gyMqxz1Zlc
Burrow seems to be getting hit from different angles far too quickly this season. Due to the lack of a running game, defenses are able to keep an extra man in coverage while getting to Burrow with ease. If Cincinnati are to improve, their offensive line has to buy him more time.
#3. An over-reliance on deep passes
The offensive line isn’t entirely to blame for the high sacks tally. Burrow is a gunslinger who likes to sit in the pocket and wait for an explosive route to develop rather than take a simple check down. Due to their lack of a running game, plenty of sacks and incomplete passes, Cincinnati are seeing a lot of third-and-long situations. Burrow then can’t just throw a simple check-down pass because he has to make an explosive play to move the chains.
Can the offense be fixed?
Cincinnati's issues can definitely be fixed with better coaching and talent recruitment. Head coach Zac Taylor has shown the ability in the past to assemble and run an explosive and complete offense. A strong offseason of restablishing the run game and offensive line takes the offense back to Super Bowl levels.
The Bengals aren't even doomed this season. They stand at 4-4 and if they can adapt their play-calling and develop a run game, they'll be in contention for the AFC North.