As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, we sat down with Anthony Cosenza of Cincy Jungle to learn more about the opposing side.
Question 1: What does a successful 2025 season look like for the Bengals? Would you expect any significant changes to be made if the team misses the playoffs for a third consecutive year?
Anything less than a Championship would be a disappointing campaign. I know that seems laughable coming from someone covering this particular franchise,
but the Bengals have too much talent–particularly on offense–to not make a deep run in 2025. They’ve re-signed all of their major stars and the defense looked much better in Week 1 from what we saw from the unit last year.
If the Bengals miss the playoffs again this year, Zac Taylor’s job is definitely in jeopardy, save for major injuries (Cincinnati is currently very healthy). He purged many of the defensive assistants from last year, as they were denoted as the scapegoats. If they fail to get in again, this traditionally slow-moving franchise will likely be forced to make changes at the top.
Question 2: Cincinnati recorded its worst offensive output (141 yards) of the Joe Burrow era in Week 1. Would you mostly chalk that up to the opponent, as Burrow has historically struggled against Cleveland, or is it a cause for genuine concern?
A little bit of both, sprinkled in with their usual sluggish starts to seasons. The Browns’ defense has given this team fits, for sure, but Cincinnati actually had a decent first half on offense, with possession amounts being minimal for both teams because they sustained long drives.
While the team got the much-needed win, some familiar offensive line issues popped up in the second half (though Myles Garrett did Myles Garrett things), and Chase Brown was completely stymied after a solid first two quarters. Play-calling was spotty and Cincinnati should have used more quick-hitters and confidence-building throws throughout the game, especially because of potential rust and it being Week 1. I expect a much better output at home this week, though.
Question 3: What does the other side of the ball look like now with Al Golden replacing Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator?
They’re fast and tenacious. There were still some mistakes (missed first tackles), but they were opportunistic (two very athletic interceptions netted) and if they are going to make a mistake, it’s going to be at 120 MPH. What was seen was more creative blitzing, which is what Golden is known for and it proved effective last week. Other than Trey Hendrickson, it’s a bit of a no-name defense, but they seemed to have collectively played well as a unit. I’m particularly interested in seeing how first-round pick Shemar Stewart performs once again, as he was a major irritant to the Browns’ offense.
Question 4: How does Cincinnati’s trench play look through 60 minutes of action this season? It seems that first-round rookie Shemar Stewart had an impressive debut.
Overall, pretty good. The offensive line was borderline dominant in the first half, but the loss of Lucas Patrick at right guard threw some wonkiness into the mix and Orlando Brown, Jr. struggled with Garrett, but that comes with the territory. The Patrick injury may prove to be beneficial (I hate phrasing things that way and never wish injury on anyone), as veteran Dalton Risner will step in, which may have been the team’s plan in a few weeks in any way.
The defensive line looked solid, as well. Stewart didn’t show up much in the stat columns, but he had a couple of batted passes (one was negated by a penalty), and was a presence in the backfield. Hendrickson had a timely sack and B.J. Hill had one from the interior as well–the latter is back at his best position inside and has true nose tackle help this year in T.J. Slayton, which helps free him up. I am curious to see how the EDGEs opposite Hendrickson set the edge against the run going forward, as the recently retired Sam Hubbard was very effective in that regard.
Question 5: Do you expect the Bengals to cover as 3.5-point favorites, and do you have a favorite player prop for the game?
Normally, I’m pretty diplomatic on these, but I think the Bengals’ offense is pissed off. I’m not saying that the Jags will get blown out and/or won’t make their fair share of plays, but I think Cincinnati will come out inspired in their home-opener. However, I will also say that I’m going way out on a limb, as Cincinnati is winless in Week 2 under Zac Taylor.
I’d put money on a Travis Hunter anytime touchdown and the over on Ja’Marr Chase’s receiving yards line, with FanDuel having it set at 97.
Thanks to Anthony for taking the time to answer our questions!
What are your thoughts on Week 2’s matchup, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!
