It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to put it all together. Once one issue is solved, another rises. In the team’s latest practice, the defense stole the show.
While the defense came out on top, that doesn’t bode well for Joe Burrow and crew. The Bengals $275 million QB was taken down as his offensive line remained non-existent.
Joe Burrow Gets Laid Out in Practice as Bengals Defense Shines
The Bengals have a lot of work to do in the trenches. Cincinnati’s star quarterback has been sacked 196 times in 69 games played with the team. Burrow has been sacked an average of 2.84 times per game since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2020.
Cincinnati knows their Super Bowl window is thin. Depending on how long they can keep the likes of Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson on the team, this could be a make or break year for the team.
After lengthy contract disputes, Shemar Stewart finally agreed to terms on a deal. Since officially signing with the team, Stewart has been a one-man wrecking crew and is turning heads left and right. There’s no simple way to replace Hendrickson if the team lets him walk, but Stewart could be a step in the right direction.
3. There was extensive scrimmaging, and the offense scored on its first drive on a Burrow to Higgins TD.
“We didn’t put ourselves in position to defend that play,” said CB coach Chuck Burks. “Those guys didn’t gripe. They regrouped and played well the rest of the scrimmage.” pic.twitter.com/jfXDFGOrtb— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) August 13, 2025
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Regardless, the Bengals defense stole the show in their recent practice. Whether that means their defense is getting better remains to be seen as they allowed 34 points in Week 1 of the preseason.
Dan Hoard, the radio voice of the Bengals, pointed out the Bengals scored a touchdown on their first drive. From there, they were held scoreless. Stewart recorded a key hit on Burrow, according to Chatterbox Sports. It’s a hit that Lucas Patrick took offense to as he got in the rookies face.
Lucas Patrick Knows the O-Line Hasn’t Been Good Enough
Standing 6’3” 313-pounds, Patrick is a key protection piece for Burrow. He knew the team’s offensive line hasn’t been good enough and teams will welcome the opportunity to lay out the Bengals star quarterback.
“The defense played well. You’ve got to give credit to them. They’ve got some good, young, talented players. But we’ve got to be better up front,” the nine-year veteran said.
Joe Burrow would’ve probably gotten sacked on this play… And it ends with Tee Higgins getting hit hard by Daijahn Anthony. pic.twitter.com/FoAnglFgTU
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 13, 2025
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James Rapien posted a video that showed Burrow in a vulnerable position. Fans were quick to blame Patrick as his effort was next to nothing. Come the regular season, Burrow could be in for a rude awakening.
Burrow was sacked a career high 51 times in 2021. Oddly enough, that’s the year the Bengals made the Super Bowl. Last year, he was sacked 48 times. It marked Burrow’s first time playing 17 games in a season.
Jay Morrison reported Cincinnati’s second team offense never crossed midfield. Burrow was held to a 33% completion rate in his final four drives.
Another one of the Bengals offensive lineman, Ted Karras, said, “The D kicked our ass.” It’s a simple yet blunt assessment from one of the main men trying to help keep the team’s Super Bowl hopes alive.
Another road game is on the table for Cincinnati as they’ll play the Washington Commanders on Monday, August 18. From there, it’s just four days of rest before facing the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason finale.
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