Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals Prodigal Offensive Standout Listed as Doubtful in Week 2 Against Reigning Super Bowl Champions

What was once considered a major victory for the Cincinnati Bengals has developed into a borderline panic.  Cincinnati fans were expecting to start the season with a win and then go into their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs with no real expectations.  Now, after a disappointing loss to start the season to the New England Patriots, there is an air of worry surrounding this game.  If Cincinnati comes out with the same lackadaisical attitude that they had against New England, fans could be chomping at the bit to get head coach Zac Taylor out of town on a rail.

Cincinnati Bengals to Miss Former First Round Pick Against Chiefs

Unfortunately for Cincinnati, 2024 first-round pick Amarius Mims has once again been listed as doubtful to suit up for the Week 2 matchup against Kansas City.  Even though Mims has yet to broach the starting lineup, there is some serious concern regarding the play of starting right tackle Trent Brown.  Brown gave up four pressures and one sack last week against a relatively weak Patriots pass rush and will now go up against a series of talented edge defenders in Kansas City.

Anyone who has watched Trent Brown seriously over the last couple of years expected him to be bad. Bengals fans were in my mentions about how much of an upgrade he is.

Goofy. pic.twitter.com/ns38NSwLJ3

— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) September 10, 2024

Considering the fact that Cincinnati doesn’t have a legitimate backup tackle past Mims, Brown’s starting job is likely secure this week regardless of his performance.  Once Mims returns (optimistically in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders), there is already an expectation that he will slide into the starting lineup in place of Brown.

Given his track record as an All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion, Brown is the ideal option to have as the swing tackle.  If Mims can step in and play at an adequate level on the right side of the offensive line, Cincinnati will be in tremendous form throughout the rest of the season due to solid depth at the offensive tackle position.

With Brown in the starting lineup, there is an obvious weak point for Kansas City to attack with line stunts.  Last week, the left side of the offensive line managed to pick up stunts effectively but the right side was completely mismatched against the Patriots defensive front.  If Cincinnati wants any hope of protecting elite quarterback Joe Burrow to start the season, they’ll need to figure out their issues on the right side of the line as quickly as possible.