The highly-anticipated matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs is set to kick off at Arrowhead this Sunday and it’s no secret that both teams will be ready.
The Bengals struggled mightily against the perceived lesser New England Patriots in Week 1 and only managed a single rushing touchdown while being limited with four three-and-outs, a fumbled punt return, and a fumble at the one-yard-line.
Issues abound for the Bengals in Week 1 and they’ll need to clean it up against the Chiefs who are looking to be the first back-to-back-to-back Super Bowl champions in NFL history. With Tee Higgins listed as Doubtful for the pivotal matchup, the Bengals may need the services of the talented rookie, Jermaine Burton.
The Cincinnati Bengals Should Unleash Jermaine Burton vs. Chiefs
If Tee Higgins doesn't play, you know who the second biggest playmaker on this offense is? It's Jermaine Burton. If Tee Higgins does play, you know who THE BEST player is to stretch the field including Ja'Marr? It's Jermaine Burton. Play him. #RuleTheJungle
— Bradyy (@InOhioB) September 12, 2024
With Higgins missing Week 1, plenty of people thought Burton was going to get some playing time, even despite some concerns about his work ethic heading into the season. When the clock hit 00:00, Burton logged a total of four snaps and didn’t earn a single target.
There were concerns leading up to this year about how well he’s been absorbing the playbook and how to be a professional on and off the field. This week, Ja’Marr Chase spoke highly of Burton and his progress, stating, “I feel like Jermaine has made a big tremendous jump on just knowing his plays, knowing where he needs to be, knowing what he’s used for.”
Ja'Marr Chase had some high praise for rookie WR Jermaine Burton this afternoon.
"I feel like Jermaine has made a big, tremendous jump… And, you know, finally, getting able to get a chance, you know, I'm saying there's no bigger, no bigger chance than right now."#Bengals |… pic.twitter.com/V5GTz0f1Ld
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) September 12, 2024
Bengals Need Another Stud
Last week, the Bengals combined for 21 catches and 164 yards. Chase had six catches and 62 of those yards. Not ideal.
Chase has been a wizard against the Chiefs and they’ve responded. In the last matchup (without Joe Burrow, of course), Kansas City did not give Chase much leeway and either doubled him or bracketed him.
Considering Chase has 33 catches for 533 yards and four touchdowns in five games (including playoffs), it makes sense. With no Higgins again, the Chiefs will focus on stopping Chase and force the Bengals to beat them with everyone else. They did so last week by limiting the Baltimore Ravens’ top receiving threat in Mark Andrews. Luckily for Baltimore, Isaiah Likely stepped up.
This week, it could be Andrei Iosivas who is expected to step up. However, that player could be Burton.
In the preseason (yes, it’s just the preseason), Burton played quite a bit and logged eight catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded an 89% cate rate in those three games as well.
Big Players Make Big Plays in Big Games
Just as Chase had a ridiculous game against the Chiefs as a rookie, Burton needs to have the opportunity.
Despite the concerns of whether or not he’s getting the plays and concepts, Burton’s athleticism should be enough to allow him to make an impact. Even if Zac Taylor has to simplify what Burton does, it’s worth it.
The Bengals are coming off a game where the offensive line held up quite well in pass protection. However, the defensive line of the Chiefs is a tad better than the Patriots. They need a guy who can play opposite Chase and will garner at least a little respect.
The loss of Higgins is massive. While he has been relatively quiet in three regular-season matchups with the Chiefs (seven catches, 116 yards, one touchdown), he has been massive in the two playoff games (12 catches, 186 yards, one score).
Now, it’s Burton’s time. The Bengals need another field-stretching threat. Let Chase cook in the slot with all kinds of crazy matchups and have Burton out wide.
Will it happen? The better bet is no because it’s a 17-game season and Burton still has plenty of work to do. However, it would be unequivocally more fun to see the rookie break out.