Bengals QB Burrow Amps Up Preseason Reps for Playoff Push

In a bid to avoid the slow starts that have plagued the Cincinnati Bengals in recent years, head coach Zac Taylor is taking a new approach this preseason. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who had played a total of just 15 preseason snaps in his first 5 NFL seasons, matched that total in a single game on Thursday night.

Burrow completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Bengals' 34-27 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. While Burrow called his performance "average," he acknowledged the value of those extra reps, saying "We're 15 reps better."

The Bengals have struggled to get out of the gate in the past, going just 1-11 in Weeks 1 and 2 during Taylor's 6-year tenure. That's why the team is giving its starters more playing time this preseason, with Burrow likely to see even more action in the next exhibition game.

As the Bengals prepare for a challenging start to the regular season, including a Monday night matchup with the Denver Broncos, Burrow and his teammates are embracing the new approach. "I think we're making the right decision this year, and I think that's going to benefit us in the long run," the star quarterback said.