The Cincinnati Bengals attempt to make it a 2-0 start to the season by going to Houston and picking up a win over the Texans in Week 2.
Important thing, too, considering what looms right after: A trip to Pittsburgh for another dance with the Steelers.
Easier said than done, though, especially with some major questions chasing the Bengals out of the season opener. Joe Burrow’s health is one thing. Other items include some lagging parts of his offense and questions around a rebuilt defense.
Where’s Chase Brown?
This felt like the big Chase Brown breakout year, especially as he plays for a new contract. Brown had 56 yards and a score during the win over Tampa Bay in the opener, but on a 3.5 per-carry average. He caught five of six targets for 22 yards. The offense needs
better balance and Brown is a big part of that. Depth behind him is thin, too. Working behind the best line of the Burrow era, Bengals coaches need to find a way to get the dynamic Brown going so Houston’s pass-rush stays honest.
How does Shemar Stewart fit?
Shemar Stewart is back after recovering from a training camp injury that, at first, looked like it could be severe enough to end his season. That stroke of good fortune means he gets to join a front seven that helped force four turnovers in Week 1. How he fits in the rotation with the likes of Myles Murphy, Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell remains to be seen. He’s got the pass-rushing juice to help and can kick inside to ease some pressure on the middle in different formations, though, so it’s interesting to watch.
Amarius Mims’ big challenge
Amarius Mims looks like an All-Pro after flashing hints of it as last season concluded and now after the Week 1 dominance. But the Texans are no easy task: Will Anderson Jr., Mario Edwards Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney all got on the board with at least half-sacks in Week 1. DeMeco Ryans’ defensive-minded ways produce nasty fronts that are deep with pressure creators, so Mims faces a far bigger task than Week 1. If he’s up to it without much help, it means the Bengals can shift help in other directions.
Joe Burrow’s health
Barring an absolute stunner, all signs point to Joe Burrow playing as normal against the Texans. The Bengals had to list him as “questionable” on the final injury report because “probable” doesn’t really exist anymore. Back injuries/discomfort can be tricky, but Burrow publicly ramped up to normal usage by the end of the week. Still, it’s something to watch before the game. And once that back starts taking hits, if any, we’ll see how Burrow’s throwing motion and overall comfort level look. For now, no reason for concern. But given the history, nobody can fault Bengals fans for how they’ll be feeling all day Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Joe Burrow’s status and top Bengals vs. Texans things to know
