The Bengals, with a healthy Joe Burrow, host the Eagles for their Aug. 7 preseason opener. Can Cincinnati start its 2024 redemption tour with a win?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is finally over. Football is back in the Queen City as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles tomorrow, August 7, for their 2025 preseason opener. With a healthy Joe Burrow back under center and a roster retooled for a deep playoff run, the energy at training camp is electric. After missing the postseason for a second straight year, this first taste of live action isn't just a tune-up; it's the opening salvo in a season-long mission to reclaim their spot atop the AFC.
After finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year, the Bengals are projected for a 10-7 finish in a stacked AFC North. The mission is clear: start fast and finish strong.
Head Coach Zac Taylor has the team focused and ready for their first test against a formidable Eagles squad. While the starters' playing time will likely be limited, this game is a crucial evaluation tool. Taylor noted that several players nursing injuries are not expected to suit up, a precautionary measure to ensure the team is as healthy as possible for the regular season. The emphasis is on sharp execution and building momentum from the very first whistle, setting a new tone after the frustrations of 2024.
Preseason is where new fan favorites are born and roster spots are won. Keep a close eye on the position battles, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Rookies will get their first taste of NFL speed, and depth players who have shined in camp will have a chance to prove they belong under the bright lights. Local media has been buzzing about several risers, and their performance against the Eagles could go a long way in shaking up the final 53-man roster.
Let's not forget the big picture. This season is about getting back to the playoffs. Projections point to a 10-7 record, but in the brutal AFC North, nothing is guaranteed. The division is a gauntlet, with the Ravens and Steelers also looking like serious contenders. That makes early-season matchups against rivals like the Browns absolutely critical. A fast start isn't just desired; it's required to build the cushion needed for a postseason berth.
The Bengals' identity is built on offensive firepower. Last season's stats tell the story: the team averaged a potent 27.06 points and over 361 yards per game. Joe Burrow's arm delivered 36 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, showcasing the high-octane passing attack fans know and love. The team also managed a neutral turnover differential. On the other side of the ball, the defense allowed 22.12 points per game while snagging 13 interceptions. The formula for 2025 is simple: maintain offensive efficiency while tightening up the defense.
All eyes now turn to tomorrow night's clash with the Eagles. It may only be preseason, but for a team this hungry, every snap is a statement. This is the first step on the road back to January football, and Cincinnati is ready to prove that 2024 was the exception, not the new rule. Who Dey!
