In Week 3, Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Trent Brown suffered a significant injury during Monday Night Football, being carted off the field due to a torn patellar tendon. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the following day that Brown would require season-ending surgery to address the injury. The Bengals confirmed this by placing him on injured reserve the following Saturday, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This development is a blow to Cincinnati’s offensive line, as Brown was a key player in protecting quarterback Joe Burrow.
To fill the void left by Brown, the Bengals are turning to 2024 first-round pick Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle out of the University of Georgia. Mims, who stands at 6’8″ and weighs 340 pounds, is considered a developmental prospect. Although he may still be refining his skills, his physical attributes suggest he has the potential to compete effectively at the NFL level. This transition may be challenging, but Mims has a strong opportunity to showcase his capabilities as he steps into a crucial role on the team.
Despite the Bengals’ disappointing 0-3 record, Burrow has had a solid start to the season. He has amassed 746 passing yards, five touchdowns, and has not thrown any interceptions, demonstrating both his skill and resilience. One notable aspect of the Bengals’ performance this season has been their pass protection, which has markedly improved compared to previous years. The offensive line has only allowed 13 quarterback pressures, ranking them third-fewest in the NFL. This enhanced protection has been vital for Burrow as he navigates the challenges of the season.
While Mims may be entering the lineup with less experience, Burrow’s elite ability to read defenses and identify blitzes should help mitigate potential issues. His proficiency in finding hot routes further solidifies the offensive strategy, allowing the Bengals to maintain a level of confidence even in the face of adversity. However, one area of concern has been the pass protection from running back Chase Brown. He is still developing his ability to identify the free man, which has limited his effectiveness and presence on the field. While the Bengals want to increase his involvement in the offense, his predictable usage on running downs often gives defenses an advantage.
Overall, the Bengals are tasked with not only overcoming the loss of Trent Brown but also maximizing their offensive potential while integrating new players into key roles. The interplay between Burrow’s leadership and the emerging talents like Mims will ultimately determine the team’s success as they strive to turn their season around.
