Recap the Bengals vs. Eagles preseason opener on Aug. 7, 2025. See why Zac Taylor played Joe Burrow & Ja'Marr Chase in a bold new strategy for the season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Football is officially back, Who Dey Nation! The Cincinnati Bengals opened their 2025 preseason campaign against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, but the real story wasn't the final score. It was the sight of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the rest of the starting unit taking the field at Lincoln Financial Field. In a notable shift in philosophy, Head Coach Zac Taylor gave his stars a brief but crucial run-out, signaling a new approach to getting battle-tested before the games truly count.
The starters will be out there for 'a couple' or 'several' drives.
In a move that had fans buzzing, Coach Zac Taylor opted to play his starters, including the dynamic duo of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, for a few series to open the game. This marks a departure from the bubble-wrap approach of recent years. The logic is clear: get the core of the team live-game reps to shake off the rust and build chemistry, balancing the risk of injury with the reward of regular-season readiness. It's a calculated gamble aimed at ensuring the team hits the ground running in Week 1.
While the starters provided the initial excitement, the bulk of the game was dedicated to the players fighting for their NFL dreams. After the first-team offense and defense made their cameos, the spotlight shifted to key backups and hungry rookies. Under overcast skies in Philadelphia, the focus turned from star power to roster depth. The game became less about the scoreboard and more about individual evaluations, giving coaches a critical first look at how the depth chart is shaping up in a live-fire environment.
With the starters on the sideline, the real competitions began. The battles for depth spots at running back and wide receiver were front and center. While veterans like Tee Higgins (who has been a model of consistency with over 4,500 yards since 2020) have their roles secured, the fight for the spots behind him and Chase is fierce. This game provided the first real evidence for players on the roster bubble, giving them the chance to prove they belong on the final 53-man roster.
Perhaps the best news of the day was the lack of it. As of Thursday afternoon, no significant injuries were reported, which is always the primary goal of any preseason contest. The team's social media channels reflected the positive energy, filled with pregame hype and behind-the-scenes content that celebrated the return of Bengals football. The focus remained squarely on the field and the excitement for the season ahead.
With the first preseason game in the books, the real work begins. Coaches will now spend hours poring over game film, evaluating every snap from the starters' tune-up to the rookies' first taste of NFL action. The coming days will be crucial as roster battles intensify and the vision for the 2025 Bengals takes shape. For now, the team returns from Philadelphia with valuable reps, a clean bill of health, and a clearer picture of the path to building a championship roster.
