The Cincinnati Bengals have gotten off to slow starts over the last couple of seasons. Cincinnati started off 0-3 during the 2024 season, but they somehow finished with a 9-8 record and just missed the playoffs.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow understand the importance of getting off to a fast start during the 2025 season. The offense was not the problem last season, and the defense was a major red flag. However, it is important for Cincinnati to get there rust out of the way during the preseason, and they are making an emphasis on playing games during the preseason in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Plans On Playing Joe Burrow and Other Starters During Preseason Game On Thursday
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on his Twitter account on Tuesday morning about what the Bengals plans on for the upcoming preseason game against the Washington Commanders,
“#Bengals coach Zac Taylor tells reporters that QB Joe Burrow and other big name players will play several series on Thursday night and more in game two against the #Commanders. New way of doing it, with eyes on starting fast.”
The plan for Cincinnati is for them to play in this game and most likely the other two preseason games before the Week 1 opener against the Cleveland Browns. Burrow had an elite 2024 NFL season and completed 70.6% of his passes for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Burrow led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns during the 2024 NFL season as well.
He also rushed for 201 yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns, along with averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Burrow and the Bengals are tired of the slow starts.
Fans React To Bengals Decision
I get it. Cincy started slowly last year.
But a number of teams sit their starters most of the preseason, and they all don’t suffer from slow starts.
Is this just introducing an unnecessary injury risk?
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) August 5, 2025
Bengals actually starting their players in the preseason 😱
— Ryan Linkletter (@blitzlink_) August 5, 2025
Good change. Bengals like to start off so slow to the season.
— JJBOOM (@JordyHalo80) August 5, 2025
Hope the Colts are paying attention. They haven’t won an opening week game in over 10 years.
— Jamie 🧢 ⬆️ (@PapaDeTre) August 5, 2025
Teams always did this…for decades.
— Eugene (Governor Carney’s spokeshuman) (@IH8canCommies) August 5, 2025
Well, if this happens to work out for the Bengals, maybe more teams across the league will start to play their starters in the preseason once again. However, there will be those fans who always believe that there is a risk of injury in a “meaningless game”, but isn’t the preseason for getting to game speed before the NFL regular season begins anyways? These fans always complain about something and this is what Burrow, and the Bengals want to do anyways.
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