Bengals Search for Offensive Balance Behind Joe Burrow

Finding Balance on Offense

Cincinnati spent months working on getting Joe Burrow under center Ted Karras. Through four games, the Bengals are still searching for the right formula. In their recent 22-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the run game completely stalled after a 2-0 start to the season. Cincinnati finished with just 23 yards on 15 carries, which was the team's lowest rushing total since 2012.

With the ground game not working, Cincinnati leaned heavily on the pass. Burrow dropped back 58 times, which was the fourth-highest total of his career. The Bengals lined up in the shotgun on 85.5% of their snaps that day. Across the entire season, Cincinnati leads the NFL in shotgun usage at 72.3% and sits last in the league in yards per play under center at 3.3.

Sticking With the Under Center Plan

Directly after the loss, Burrow talked about throwing the ball even more when the run game struggles. A few days later, he took a calmer view. Burrow stated that the offense must be more balanced going forward and that the run game is a big part of that goal.

Burrow also believes the team should not abandon its plan to work from under center. As he explained, running play action from under center only works when defenses respect the rushing threat. Without that respect, defensive linemen will ignore the fake and attack the quarterback, which Burrow noted is not a recipe for success.

Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher made it clear that the coaching staff agrees. Pitcher said the Bengals must improve at these concepts rather than throw them away as they build their identity over the rest of the season.

Miami Matchup Offers Fresh Opportunity

The Bengals now prepare for a road game against the Miami Dolphins, who sit at 0-4 on the year. In the weeks prior to the Jacksonville loss, coach Zac Taylor mentioned that Cincinnati was close to breaking big runs. The Jaguars presented one of the top run defenses in the league, making that goal difficult, but Miami offers a different test. The Dolphins enter Sunday ranked 29th in points allowed per drive.

Taylor kept his definition of success under center very simple, stating that it comes down to scoring points. Pitcher added that the coaches must evaluate the team in every moment and make the calls that point them in the right direction.

What it means for the next game

Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Miami Dolphins win 26%, Cincinnati Bengals win 74%; projected score Miami Dolphins 18, Cincinnati Bengals 25. Our safest pick: Bengals to win.