The Cincinnati Bengals have a big problem brewing on Joe Burrow’s offense.
Those Bengals spent a bulk of the summer finally, seriously attempting to install a strong under-center offense. It’s backfired, with the offensive line and execution shaky and running backs like Chase Brown simply poor.
There’s a chance the Bengals admit the running back depth chart isn’t good enough ahead of the NFL trade deadline, at least.
As ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed out recently, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard is one of the names who could be on the block soon.
“Running back is a position where teams endure significant attrition throughout the season, and Pollard is a veteran who could help fill a hole with a contender if the Titans fall out of contention
as many expect,” Graziano wrote. “If he's healthy and not in Tennessee's long-term plans beyond this season, Pollard is the kind of player who could be on the move.”
A few things. The Titans are already well out of contention at 0-4 and simply look bad. Pollard is 29 and on an expiring $6.74 million contract. Simple enough.
As for that comment about attrition: The Bengals don’t have the bodies to endure it. Chase Brown is going to wear down over the course of the season and Samaje Perine has looked even worse so far. Tahj Brooks isn’t ready and Kendall Milton and Kentrel Bullock are mere practice squad players.
Getting a veteran running back in the door who can join the rotation right away just makes sense. Pollard averages 4.6 yards per carry for his career, dating back to 2019. The cost wouldn’t be that steep, either.
Maybe it doesn’t end up being Pollard specifically, but he’s the perfect example of a running back the Bengals should have in mind when they go looking for help. Because they’re going to need to do so, whether they like it or not.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals, Titans trade idea could fix Joe Burrow’s offense
