“Balance Spurs Offensive Resurgence, Fuels Bengals’ Playoff Hopes”
In Cincinnati, a newfound sense of balance has been instrumental in the Bengals’ recent two-game winning streak, reigniting their playoff aspirations. Historically favoring a pass-heavy strategy, especially with quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals have adjusted their approach following Burrow’s season-ending injury due to a torn wrist ligament. With Jake Browning taking the quarterback reins, the team has implemented more designed runs, screen plays, and increased snaps from under center.
This strategic shift played a significant role in the Bengals’ impressive 34-14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, propelling them to a 7-6 record and placing them above the .500 mark with four games remaining in the season.
“Balanced Offensive Approach Sparks Bengals’ Recent Success”
The Cincinnati Bengals’ recent success is credited to a more balanced offensive approach, marking a departure from their historically pass-heavy strategy. With quarterback Jake Browning stepping in for the injured Joe Burrow, the team has incorporated more designed runs, screen plays, and increased snaps under center.
Browning, expressing comfort with Coach Zac Taylor’s play-calling, praised the seamless integration of run-pass options, making his job easier. In his third career start against the Indianapolis Colts, Browning demonstrated efficiency, completing 18-of-24 passes for 275 yards, three total touchdowns, and one interception.
Notably, the Bengals’ focus on utilizing running backs, both on the ground and in the air, distinguishes their recent performances. In the games since Browning took over, the Bengals have shifted from being second in the NFL in designed pass plays (70.4%) to 20th in the league. This change has resulted in a more balanced offensive output, with 34 points scored in back-to-back games and touchdowns on 34.7% of their drives.
Running backs Joe Mixon and rookie Chase Brown combined for 29 carries, totaling 104 yards and a rushing touchdown. The team’s balanced approach is credited with keeping defensive lines guessing, contributing to the Bengals’ recent offensive resurgence.
“I often say, ‘Make them play us honest,'” remarked Brown. “When games are called in a way that allows us to be physical at the line of scrimmage in the run game and disrupt certain coverages, it becomes challenging for opponents to cover our playmakers in one-on-one situations.”
The effectiveness of this strategy was particularly evident in the success of screen passes involving Brown and Mixon. Brown, a fifth-round pick from Illinois, secured his inaugural touchdown with a 54-yard reception on a screen, propelling the Bengals to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Concluding the game with three catches for a team-leading 80 yards, Brown showcased his impact. Mixon, not far behind, gained 45 of his 46 receiving yards through a screen play.
According to Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, the screens proved to be among the most vexing aspects for the Indianapolis defense. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner acknowledged the impact of screens, noting their ability to alleviate pressure on the quarterback and impede the pass rush. This strategic approach paid off for the Bengals, who managed to avoid surrendering a sack for the first time since Week 3 of the 2021 season.
“In the last two weeks, opposing defenses have encountered a Bengals team that altered its alignment. During this period, Browning has risen to the 16th spot among qualifying quarterbacks in snaps taken under center. Even when Burrow’s calf fully recovered, Cincinnati increased its frequency of lining up under center compared to earlier in the season. Prior to his wrist injury, Burrow ranked 27th in that category over a five-week span.”
“I believe the more versatile you can be, the more defensive looks you can present, and when those looks offer multiple potential plays from different formations or sets, it creates complexity for the defense,” commented Browning on the shift in offensive tendencies. “I think we’re doing a good job of that.”
The balanced offensive approach has not only impacted the running backs but has also proven beneficial for the wide receivers. Browning attributed the success of a 76-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase in the Bengals’ Week 13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars to the effectiveness of the run game in creating opportunities.
Following the Week 14 triumph against the Colts, Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins expressed the enjoyment of playing in an offense where the ground game is thriving.”It’s great to see our running backs with a big smile on their faces throughout the entire game,” remarked Higgins. “As long as we complement each other, we’ll be all right.”