The Cincinnati Bengals’ passing game gets a far more favorable assignment against Tennessee after the Chicago Bears acquired former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow now faces a defense without the disruptive interior presence that could have wrecked a drive, forced a turnover or kept the game close long enough for an upset bid.
Locked On Bengals co-host Jake Liscow said Simmons was the type of game-changing player who could have created a strip-sack or another momentum-swinging play. Without him, Liscow argued, it is difficult to identify where Tennessee will consistently generate enough pass rush or run-stopping disruption to dictate terms against Burrow.
That puts the emphasis on a fast, efficient start from Burrow and Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Liscow said Tennessee cannot simply rely on its usual coverage approach against those targets, particularly if its front cannot pressure the quarterback. The offense showed in the second half against Baltimore that it can create explosive plays when the passing game finds a rhythm. This matchup presents an opportunity to establish that rhythm before the game becomes tense.
Locked On Bengals co-host Joe Goodberry also pointed to the Titans’ tackling issues as a potential opening for Bengals running back Chase Brown and the receivers after the catch. Cincinnati does not need a perfect offensive performance, but it has a chance to turn short completions, perimeter throws, and vertical opportunities into the type of controlled early lead that removes any trap-game feel.
The Bengals still must avoid treating the matchup as automatic. But Simmons’ departure changes the central calculation: Burrow’s offense no longer has to account for Tennessee’s most proven game-wrecker, and the unit should have the personnel advantage to make that matter immediately.
A sharp opening from Burrow would let Cincinnati play from ahead, lean into its playmakers and avoid giving Tennessee the extra possessions and momentum it would need to make the game uncomfortable.
Bengals News and Notes
– The defense still carries an important part of the assignment. Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward has the mobility and arm talent to create problems outside the pocket, while running back Tony Pollard gives the Titans a credible rushing option. Goodberry said Cincinnati cannot allow the underneath completions, missed tackles, and third-down failures that defined its 2021 loss to the New York Jets led by Mike White.
– Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II could see a quiet afternoon if Tennessee continues to avoid his coverage. Goodberry said Turner’s tape has remained strong even as opponents have limited targets in his direction, potentially pushing Ward toward other matchups.
More on the Bengals
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- Predicting Bengals Starting Lineup and Depth Chart vs. Titans for NFL Week 8
- Kyle Dugger Is Out for the Bengals Against the Titans as Budda Baker Trade Talk Lingers
- Zac Taylor Crashed Brother’s FaceTime to Celebrate Jeffery Simmons Trade: ‘We Play the Titans This Week’
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