Cincinnati Bengals 2023 Preview: Is 2023 Their Year?

The Cincinnati Bengals have fallen short of winning the Super Bowl back-to-back years. After losing Jessie Bates, you wouldn’t think there would be much optimism to get back, especially in a loaded conference. However, the Chiefs and Bills also suffered losses, and Cincinnati still has their high-octane offense in core. Additionally, they are fortunate to have Lou Anarumo, who should’ve been given a head coaching gig already. Joe Burrow is one of the few QBs capable of competing with Mahomes. His surrounding cast is outstanding, and they have a legitimate shot at winning a ring despite the conference. While I could certainly envision the Bengals winning it all, I’m not sure I’d bet on it. Regardless, they’ll give the Chiefs and Bills a run for their money.

Losing Bates is undoubtedly a massive blow. Although, Daxton Hill was a first-round pick for a reason, and he has a similar skillset to Bates. I’d even argue Hill should’ve been a top-15 pick in that draft. Drafting Myles Murphey gives them the potential to have a terrifying EDGE duo. He has a lot to prove, but the traits are certainly there. DJ Turner was another draft pick I loved from Cincinnati. He also has ridiculous athletism. I was surprised Orlando Brown agreed to the contract the Bengals offered him. Sixteen million a year isn’t bad, as he’s a good starter at a critical position. I’m worried about how this team will handle their upcoming free agents. Someone like Tee Higgens is a vital player on this team, and losing him would change the offense. At least this roster is in primed condition to compete this year. However, will Cincinnati ever win one if it’s not this year?

I watched all-22 footage on every team and reconciled it with advanced stats such as PFF. Based on film and stats, I develop grades for every position by using a formula that takes into account every player on the depth chart. Shout out to TFG for inspiring this kind of content. Please use code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.

Key

Grading scale: 20-100.

(+): The player is expected to improve.

Player Tiers:

Team Overview

Coaching Staff

Zac Taylor underwhelmed me as a head coach initially. That said, I’ve been impressed by his adaptability and leadership lately. It was unclear if the players genuinely liked him initially, but since establishing the right group of men, it’s been the opposite. He gets the offense to run a tight ship, and they consistently execute the fundamentals.

As a play-caller, Taylor has had some bright moments, but he still is far from a McVay or Shanahan. One downside to Taylor is he is very predictable. His scheme has traditionally been a wide-zone system, similar to McVay. However, midway through 2022, he changed the scheme to a more spread-style offense. His running scheme went from more zone-oriented to more gap-oriented. In addition, his passing concepts became more similar to what Burrow ran in college, which was quick, horizontal passing concepts. Burrow thrived because of this, and it’s lovely to see Taylor have that adaptability. I still think Taylor sort of gets carried, but it’s not like he’s a hindrance to the team.

Lou Anarumo is easily the most underrated DC in the NFL. What he’s done to elevate the talent he’s been given is remarkable. He runs a complex and balanced scheme with multiple fronts. Anarumo may mix up the defensive fronts but primarily sticks to a 4-3 front. He generally doesn’t blitz a lot but also ranked 3rd in zero blitz percentage. His coverage scheme is also very balanced. He’ll run practically everything but runs more cover one and cover two compared to others. One of Anarumo’s strengths is being able to make adjustments mid-game. He understands his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and adapts accordingly. Anarumo doesn’t get enough credit, and he’ll likely get a head coaching gig someday.

Bengals Offense

Overall Offense – 87.4 (2)

There are a handful of stars on the Bengals’ offense, and Joe Burrow is one of those QBs that can carry an offense. He and Ja’Marr Chase are among the best QB-WR duos in the league. Burrow doesn’t get enough credit for what he does for this team. In addition to being a rock in the locker room, Burrow excels in practically every trait. The only knock on Burrow is his league-average arm, although it’s plenty good enough. He compensates for the lack of elite arm talent with incredible anticipation. His accuracy in the short-intermediate range is impeccable too. For more analysis on Burrow, read “Ranking The 37 Best QBs In The NFL (Part Three).” I was a massive fan of Chase coming out; he has become the Receiver I hoped he’d become. While being an elite RAC threat, Chase also has tremendous ball skills. He also has an excellent chemistry with Burrow.

While not the best Receiver here, Tee Higgens is practically the X-Receiver for the Bengals. His size and ball skills make him a menacing deep threat. Higgens can also run a full route tree. Tyler Boyd has quietly been one of the best Slots in the NFL for a while. He doesn’t get many targets, but he shines when he can. I love me some Charlie Jones as a backup. He’ll be a solid return man and could grow into a starting role. Tight End is a minor weakness, as Irv Smith Jr. is the only true starter. Smith Jr. is a subpar run blocker but will be a decent fourth-receiving option. Mitchell Wilcox is a good blocking tight end to have as well. Joe Mixon is an underrated back and is a diverse weapon for Cincinnati. He’s got an exceptional combo of athletism and contact balance. Additionally, he is a well-versed receiving back. Chase Brown was a draft selection who could get playing time. He’s a solid receiving back as well.

This O-Line used to be in atrocious shape, but with a lot of off-season work, it’s where it needs to be. Orlando Brown has one of the best anchors in pass-pro in the league. He is an above-average run blocker as well. The downside to having him is he doesn’t match up well against speed rushers. Cordell Volson should be a serviceable run blocker but might get this team in trouble in pass-pro. He’s young, so he could easily step up, but he’s something to watch for. Ted Karras has excellent strength and processing skills to aid him in pass-pro. He’s also a good gap scheme run-blocker.

Alex Cappa lacks athletism but has a terrific anchor. He was paid a high price tag and has lived up to it. Jonah Williams should be starting at Tackle to start the year. He’s been very up and down but still could improve. I feel Bengals fans have unfairly written him off. La’El Collins is an outstanding run blocker but is a massive injury risk. He’s currently on PUP. The depth is solid, although you’d rather have your starters out there. With a good O-Line, some elite playmakers, and the second-best QB in football, the Bengals make a case for one of the best offenses in the game.

Bengals Defense

Overall Defense – 81.3 (12)

While the Bengals’ defense lacks a true superstar, they only need to be decent for them to win. The Bengals’ offense is a powerhouse and will win games if this defense keeps opponents under 24 points each week. Chidobe Awuzie is an exceptional scheme fit and is a solid option to cover number ones. He only gave up just over 60 yards in man coverage last year, granted he didn’t play a whole lot. Cam Taylor-Britt has a lot of potential but must prove himself as a full-time starter. He struggled in man last year, although he has the traits to improve. As polarizing as Eli Apple is, you’d rather have him out there. That said, Taylor-Britt could drastically improve. On the bright side, Mike Hilton is one of the better Slots in the league. Additionally, DJ Turner was a favorite of mine and could be a high-end starter in no time.

Dax Hill is an incredible athlete and demonstrated stellar man coverage skills at Michigan. He also has the range to excel as a single high Safety and just needs to develop instincts and a better zone IQ. Nick Scott is an above-average run defender and will be fine playing in the box. Jordan Battle should also play as a third Safety, and he is a well-developed player. Just don’t expect Battle ever to be anything more than just a solid starter. This secondary isn’t anything special, but with Anarumo calling plays, I’d be surprised to see them perform poorly.

Moreover, you must be pleased with how these Linebackers have stepped up. Logan Wilson had a prototypical Mike Linebacker build coming out and has grown into his role nicely. He can match up against Tight Ends and is one of the surest tacklers around. In 2022, he only missed six tackles while racking up 107. Germain Pratt quietly had a fantastic year in coverage. He is an underrated gem who’s well-underpaid. The depth is problematic, but neither of these Linebackers are injury risks.

Because of DJ Reader and Trey Hendrickson, this D-Line is the biggest strength on this defense. Hendrickson is very unique as he’s a big body with short arms. He doesn’t win with power, though. His get-off is where he wins, and he packages that with phenomenal finesse moves. Sam Hubbard will be the second EDGE on run-downs. He lacks upside as a pass rusher but gets the job done in run defense. Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai are excellent rotational pass rushers. Ossai made a massive mistake in the playoffs, but his talent is overlooked. Murphy has all the upside you could ask for out of an EDGE. His tape was very inconsistent, but the flashes showed.

Furthermore, DJ Reader might be the best run-defender in football. His ability to take on double teams and two-gap is unmatched. He even improved as a pass rusher last season. B.J. Hill is a good second DT to have. Hill is one of the better run-defending three-techs in the league. You wish there were some pass-rush upside on the interior, but that’s where Murphy comes in. Murphy can play three-tech on pass rush downs and should flourish there. Josh Topu is a serviceable run defender; just don’t expect him to bring a pass-rush presence. With two stars and a handful of quality role players, this D-Line will excel. Anarumo will have fun coaching this group, and it’ll support the offense well.

Bengals Schedule

Total Win Projection – 11.1