Cincinnati Bengals Aim to Boost Explosive Running Plays in 2023
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams understands the importance of turning a good run into a great one. Once he surpasses the initial line of defense and reaches the linebackers, he knows that making the second defender miss is crucial. When he finds open space, he realizes that big things can happen. However, the Bengals struggled to produce enough explosive running plays last season.
In 2022, the Bengals’ running backs managed only 14 rushing plays of 12 yards or more, tied with the Houston Texans for the lowest in the NFL. This statistic has prompted the Bengals to prioritize increasing their explosive running plays if they want to have one of the league’s best offenses this season.
Quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledges that opposing teams will likely plan their defensive formations based on how they played against the Bengals in previous seasons. Last year, when Burrow returned from his knee injury and Ja’Marr Chase joined the team, the passing attack became one of the most explosive in the league. The Bengals recorded 16 touchdowns on completions of 25 or more yards, the highest in the NFL. However, opposing defensive coordinators adjusted their strategies and positioned two safeties at the back of the formation to limit big passing plays. As a result, the Bengals had to rely on methodical drives to move down the field.
To counter these defensive adjustments, the Bengals aim to create more explosive carries on the ground. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan emphasized that while the Bengals had an efficient rushing attack in 2022, their focus now is on being explosive rather than just efficient. Transforming five-yard carries into 15 or 20-yard gains is crucial to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Opposing teams often allowed the Bengals to run freely last season, with Cincinnati facing seven or fewer defenders on over half of its offensive snaps. The Bengals understand the need to punish defenses and create more favorable passing opportunities. Burrow expressed excitement about the team’s running backs and offensive line, believing that they can achieve explosive runs and force defenses to adjust their strategies.
In the 2023 season, Joe Mixon, entering his seventh NFL season, will lead the Bengals’ rushing attack. However, Mixon’s ability to produce long runs has been limited in recent years. Since 2021, only 8.4% of Mixon’s carries have gone for 10 or more yards, ranking him 40th among 46 running backs during that period. With Samaje Perine departing for the Denver Broncos, Williams, who re-signed with the Bengals on a one-year deal, will have an opportunity to earn more carries. Rookie Chase Brown and veteran Chris Evans are also viable options in the backfield.
Regardless of who carries the ball for Cincinnati this season, the focus remains on generating explosive plays. Williams believes that explosive plays are the difference between an average offense and an exceptional one. The Bengals are determined to improve their rushing attack and create more big-play opportunities to elevate their offense to new heights.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals recognize the need to increase their explosive running plays in the 2023 season. After struggling to produce big gains on the ground last year, the team aims to force defenses to respect their running game, opening up opportunities in the passing game. With Joe Mixon leading the rushing attack and Trayveon Williams in the mix for more carries, the Bengals are determined to transform average runs into game-changing plays. By prioritizing explosive plays, Cincinnati hopes to establish one of the league’s most potent offenses in the upcoming season.