As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the 2023 NFL season, they have opted against making wholesale changes to their roster, a decision players believe will yield positive results. The Bengals were the surprise underperformers of last season, but they’re eager to reclaim the division throne. Perhaps no team is more desperate than the Giants to end a rotten two-win-in-the-first-two-weeks run over six years, the worst in the league.
Jordan Battle, one of the Bengals’ rookie additions, highlighted what will be the team’s approach going forward. He stated, “Win games early, get off the field, get the ball to Joe.” This mindset reflects the urgency the team feels to start strong and maximize their offensive potential with quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm.
As we look ahead to the 2023 season, the Bengals have done some tinkering with their roster but for the most part, they’ve kept the band together. Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick are both on one-year deals taken on in free agency. Even with all their injuries, they continue to get meaningful starting reps. The team isn’t announcing a starter at RG in the past couple of days. This sets up some really fun competition as we head into the season!
Joe Burrow remains a central figure in the locker room, occupying the first locker nearest the hallway leading to the equipment room. His leadership is critical as the young team develops chemistry on the verge of a breakout season.
The Bengals’ defense is fiending for a top-10 showing. Last year they were 26th in expected yards per carry on first and second down. They recruited T.J. Slaton and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., both expected to immediately improve the nation’s No. 112-ranked defense. Now Al Golden has already made the leap from the linebackers coach to the defensive coordinator. He has zeroed in on specific character traits in the incoming class of newbies that mesh beautifully with what he wants to do. He noted, “We just wanted a bunch of smart guys, tough guys, self-starters.”
Cams Sample reiterated Golden’s feelings on roster continuity and promise. He expressed confidence in the current lineup, stating, “I feel like this is the best roster for the 2025 Bengals.” Sample’s belief in the young talents on the roster, including second-year player Kris Jenkins Jr., highlights the team’s focus on developing emerging players while maintaining a competitive edge.
At April’s NFL league meetings, Cincinnati Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn stressed one important point about her club’s long-term plan. Those included confirming that defensive end Trey Hendrickson was absent from practice due to ongoing contract negotiations. She noted that prioritizing key players like Hendrickson influenced other roster decisions: “When we decided that we were going to work on the Tee and Ja’Marr pieces, that definitely had an effect on what you were able to do otherwise.”
The Bengals are integrating two rookie starters projected for Week 1: Demetrius Knight Jr. and Dylan Fairchild. Their inclusion showcases Broward County’s priority of injecting new, young talent into the roster while keeping the veterans we love.
All in all, the Bengals have chosen the path of peace and continuity over the fire and brimstone route. This new approach seems rooted in an understanding that continuity breeds success on the field. Players feel that this is a special time this season as there is a great chance for development and growth within the soccer ranks.
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