The Cincinnati Bengals have been a team in transition for the past few years, with a new head coach and a young quarterback leading the way. However, this season, there seems to be a new sense of urgency and determination within the organization. Head coach Zac Taylor has promised a “new way of doing things” and a focus on starting fast. This is a significant shift in philosophy for Taylor, who previously treated his starters like precious cargo. So, what has prompted this change? Well, it all comes down to one key factor – the arrival of quarterback Joe Burrow and the addition of Ja’Marr Chase to the team.
Last season, Joe Burrow had a phenomenal rookie year, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and showing immense potential. However, his season was cut short due to a devastating knee injury. This injury not only affected Burrow but also had a significant impact on the Bengals’ performance. It was a wake-up call for the organization, and they realized that they needed to do everything in their power to protect their star quarterback.
This realization has led to a change in the team’s philosophy, with a renewed focus on starting fast and putting the pressure on opponents from the very beginning. And who better to lead this charge than Joe Burrow himself? The young quarterback has shown incredible resilience and determination in his recovery, and he is ready to take on the challenge of leading the Bengals to success.
But it’s not just Burrow who has the potential to make a significant impact on the team. The Bengals made a bold move in the draft by selecting Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick. Chase was Burrow’s teammate at LSU, and the two have a strong connection on and off the field. This dynamic duo has the potential to be one of the most lethal quarterback-receiver combinations in the league.
With Burrow and Chase leading the offense, the pressure is on the defense to step up their game. And this is where the focus shifts to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Bengals’ defense has been a weak spot for the team in recent years, and Anarumo has faced criticism for his performance. However, with the team’s renewed focus on starting fast, Anarumo’s job has become even more critical.
The Bengals’ defense had a tough outing in their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, giving up 27 points and failing to record a single sack. This performance has put the pressure on Anarumo to make necessary adjustments and improve the defense’s performance. The team cannot afford to have a weak defense with the high-powered offenses they will face this season.
The pressure on Anarumo has only intensified after the Bengals’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. The defense struggled once again, giving up 32 points and failing to contain Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts. This loss has raised questions about Anarumo’s ability to lead the defense and has put him under the microscope.
However, Anarumo has received support from an unlikely source – former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. In a recent interview, Lewis praised Anarumo’s coaching abilities and expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around for the Bengals’ defense. This support from a respected figure in the organization should give Anarumo some much-needed confidence and motivation.
The pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Anarumo, but he has the talent and potential to lead the Bengals’ defense to success. With players like Trey Hendrickson, Jessie Bates III, and Logan Wilson, the defense has the pieces to be a formidable force. It’s now up to Anarumo to put them in the right positions and make the necessary adjustments to improve their performance.
In conclusion, the Bengals’ new philosophy of starting fast and putting pressure on opponents is a direct result of the arrival of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The team has recognized the importance of protecting their star quarterback and has made necessary changes to ensure his success. The pressure is now on defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to step up and lead the defense to success. With the support of the organization and the talent on the team, there is no doubt that the Bengals can turn things around and have a successful season.