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The Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line has long been the Achilles’ heel of a team that otherwise boasts explosive talent on both sides of the ball. After years of criticism and underperformance, the 2024 preseason has brought whispers of significant improvement. Some fans and analysts are already singing the praises of a unit that appears more cohesive and effective than in 2023. But is this apparent progress genuine, or are we simply falling into the trap of preseason optimism?
The Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
There’s no denying that on the surface, the Bengals’ offensive line looks better in 2024. Fewer sacks allowed, more time for Joe Burrow (or his backup in preseason action), and improved run blocking have all been noted. But let’s remember, preseason stats are often misleading.
The competition faced by the Bengals’ line during these exhibition games is a far cry from the elite pass rushers they will encounter in the regular season. Many opposing defenses are also running vanilla schemes, withholding the complex blitz packages that will be unleashed when the games matter. Praising the Bengals’ offensive line based on preseason performances could be as premature as crowning a preseason MVP.
Are We Ignoring Past Failures?
One must ask, how many times have we seen preseason hype fail to translate into regular-season success? In 2023, the Bengals’ offensive line also showed flashes of promise during the preseason. The same narratives of “improvement” and “cohesion” were tossed around, only to be dashed when the regular season exposed the same old weaknesses. It’s easy to forget how quickly optimism can turn into despair.
While the addition of a few new faces and the maturation of younger players might account for some of the perceived improvement, we must be wary of overvaluing these changes. Offensive line play is about more than individual talent—it’s about chemistry, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. The Bengals’ line has yet to prove they can sustain their preseason form over a grueling 17-game season.
The Coaching Dilemma
Another point of contention is the coaching staff’s role in these supposed improvements. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack has been under fire for the unit’s struggles over the past few years. While it’s possible he has finally found the right formula, his track record raises doubts. Are we to believe that a coach who couldn’t get the best out of his players in 2023 has suddenly figured it out in 2024? Or are we simply witnessing a temporary uptick that will evaporate when the real pressure is on?
The Burrow Factor
Joe Burrow is the centerpiece of this team, and his ability to navigate the pocket often makes his offensive line look better than it is. In 2023, Burrow’s quick release and uncanny pocket awareness masked many of the line’s deficiencies. If Burrow continues to play at an elite level, he might again cover up the line’s flaws, leading to a skewed perception of their true performance.
Conclusion: Cautious Optimism or Delusion?
While it’s tempting to buy into the preseason hype surrounding the Bengals’ offensive line, history urges caution. Preseason games are often deceptive, and the real test will come when the regular season kicks off. Fans would do well to temper their expectations and wait to see if this improvement is genuine or just another mirage.
The Bengals have a golden opportunity to prove the doubters wrong, but until they do, the jury is still out on whether this offensive line has truly turned the corner or if we’re witnessing yet another preseason overreaction.