Bengals’ 71% pass rate in close games draws attention
A striking situational stat puts Cincinnati’s pass-heavy approach in focus after its loss to Jacksonville.
The Cincinnati Bengals have been aggressively relying on their passing game, particularly in close matches, according to research by Paul Hembekides and shared by ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. Orlovsky revealed that the Bengals have thrown for 71% of their plays when the score was within one point, a rate that tops any team in the data Hembekides has examined.
Orlovsky noted that this pass-heavy strategy isn't merely a product of timing and score; the Bengals are consistently opting to throw the ball when the game is tight. This approach reached its peak on Sunday during the Bengals' 22-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 54 of 78 passes for 428 yards, while the team managed only 23 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
Chase Brown contributed 10 yards on nine rushing plays, highlighting the limitations of the Bengals' run game. Bengals coach Zac Taylor admitted that the Jaguars' defensive schemes and Cincinnati's passing prowess likely influenced the team's decision to go with the passing game. Taylor acknowledged the need for improvement in the run game but believed that adding more runs wouldn't have solved Sunday's offensive issues.
Burrow seemed comfortable with the increased reliance on the pass, stating, "Let's throw it more." He praised the Bengals' passing game and offensive line, but he agreed that the run game still requires enhancement. This reliance on Burrow's passing ability raises questions about the team's ability to maintain its offensive production if opponents become more adept at defending against it.
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