The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for the 2025 season with hopes to return to the playoffs after missing out the last two years. Star wide receiver Tee Higgins, in an interview with Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio, dismissed the emphasis on starting the season strong and instead stressed the importance of overall team performance. Higgins stated,
“It’s just stop with the narratives, just go out there and just play football,”
and added,
“Execute as a team. That’s really all I can really say about it.”
Bengals’ Recent Performance and Preseason Preparations
The Bengals finished with a 9-8 record in both of the past two seasons but failed to secure a playoff spot despite promising talent. Both seasons started slowly with a 1-3 record, raising questions about consistency. To prepare for the next campaign, coach Zac Taylor used the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles to give starters significant playing time, aiming to build rhythm early. Quarterback Joe Burrow demonstrated strong form by completing 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and throwing touchdowns to tight end Tanner Hudson and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Joe Burrow’s Limited Preseason Activity and Team Focus
Burrow’s preseason appearances are notably limited, having played just three snaps in 2021 and a handful more in recent preseason matches. The Bengals typically rely on joint practice sessions with other <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL teams as part of their preparation strategy. Despite the recent lack of postseason success, Cincinnati’s roster includes experienced players determined to move past last season’s results and fight for a playoff berth in the AFC.
Outlook for the Bengals and Their Quest to Return to the Playoffs
Following their Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and the AFC Championship Game in the next season, the Bengals are focused on regaining their competitive edge. With Tee Higgins prioritizing collective execution over hype, and Burrow showing early signs of form in preseason, Cincinnati aims to correct past inconsistencies and make a strong playoff push in the 2025 season.