The Cincinnati Bengals are typically Super Bowl contenders under Joe Burrow, but those expectations were crippled last season with Burrow’s calf and wrist injuries derailing another deep play off run. Despite having a winning record, the Bengals missed the playoffs and didn’t have Burrow for seven games.
Those Super Bowl expectations for the Bengals are back with Burrow healthy, starting this Sunday against the New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS). The Patriots are rebuilding their franchise as the organization prepares for its first game without Bill Belichick as coach since 1999. Jerod Mayo takes over for Belichick while No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye will start on the sidelines in favor of Jacoby Brissett.
NFL on CBS analyst Charles Davis is the color commentator for this game and previewed the Week 1 matchup with CBS Sports.
Bengals have gotten off to slow starts the past couple seasons. Do you think that will be the case this year?
Davis: “Well, part of the reasons they have gotten off to slow starts is their quarterback being not being healthy coming in. That’s not the case this year. We’re still waiting to see of Joe Burrow’s wrist from last year holds up, but they feel very confident that everything is in good shape.
“Joe Burrow the last two years had an appendectomy two years ago before the Steelers game. He ended up throwing four interceptions and the Bengals still should have won the game! They lost because their long snapper got hurt, so they couldn’t kick a field goal and extra point. Then last year, Burrow was coming in off the calf injury and was limited with practice time. He was weaker than normal and really struggled in the game against Cleveland.
“This year, things are trending better for Cincinnati because Joe Burrow is fully healthy. That’s a whole different ball game than what it’s been the last few years.”
Feels like every year we talk about…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/are-bengals-back-to-being-super-bowl-contenders-charles-davis-previews-patriots-bengals-week-1-showdown/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-09-06 15:32:48
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