The Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive strategy has undergone a significant shift this season, as head coach Zac Taylor has embraced the use of multiple tight ends. In previous seasons, the Bengals heavily relied on their 11 personnel, which consists of one tight end and three receivers. However, with the departure of Tyler Boyd and the addition of talented tight ends, Taylor has adjusted his game plan to incorporate more two-tight end sets.
The use of multiple tight ends has nearly tripled from last season, with the Bengals currently running 59.6 percent of their plays in 11 personnel. This change in strategy has allowed them to counter the two-high shells that defenses commonly employ to prevent deep throws. By incorporating more tight ends, the Bengals can create mismatches and exploit the weaknesses in opposing defenses.
What’s particularly intriguing about this shift is that the Bengals are not just using multiple tight ends for blocking purposes. They are actively utilizing them as passing weapons, leading to an increase in efficiency in both the run and pass games. In fact, they are on pace to throw more passes out of 12/13 personnel this season than in the previous three years combined.
The success of this new offensive approach is evident in the Bengals’ rushing efficiency. They currently lead the league with a 73.3 percent success rate running out of 12/13 personnel. This figure far surpasses the NFL average of 45.8 percent. By establishing a strong running game out of two-tight end sets, the Bengals can force defenses to adjust and potentially create opportunities for big plays in the passing game.
The improved efficiency in the passing game can be attributed to several factors. First, the presence of multiple tight ends on the field forces defenses to respect the run, opening up passing lanes for quarterback Joe Burrow. Additionally, Burrow’s ability to read defenses and make pre-snap adjustments has played a crucial role in the success of the passing game. By having more time to throw, Burrow can make better decisions and deliver accurate passes to his receivers.
One example of this newfound efficiency is a 47-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Burton. The Bengals lined up with two tight ends, drawing attention to one of them in motion. The max-protection allowed Burrow enough time to throw a deep pass down the sideline. Plays like this highlight the impact that multiple tight ends can have on the passing game.
The versatility of the Bengals’ tight ends, such as Erick All, cannot be understated. While they may not always show up in the stat sheet, their contributions in blocking and pass protection are invaluable. For example, All’s block on George Karlaftis during a critical play allowed Burrow to have ample time to throw a touchdown pass. These unsung heroes play a significant role in the success of the offense.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the Bengals will continue to incorporate multiple tight ends into their game plan. With the return of Tee Higgins, who is expected to make an impact in the receiving game, the coaching staff will need to find a balance between using two tight end sets and maximizing their talented wide receivers. Nevertheless, the Bengals have showcased the effectiveness of this new offensive approach, providing a potent counter to defenses’ strategies to limit explosive passes.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals’ shift towards utilizing multiple tight ends has proven to be a successful offensive strategy. By incorporating more two-tight end sets, they have achieved greater efficiency in both the run and pass games. This strategic adjustment has allowed them to exploit defenses and create mismatches, ultimately leading to increased offensive production. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Bengals continue to evolve their offensive approach and capitalize on the strengths of their talented tight ends.