Overview

• The Bengals have gone 1-11 in their first two games over the past six seasons under Zac Taylor, the NFL’s worst start in that span.
• Coach Zac Taylor plans to give starters meaningful snaps in exhibition games to build chemistry and reduce early-season rust.
• Ja’Marr Chase, fresh off a receiving triple crown and a four-year, $161 million extension, said preseason play could be key to faster starts.
• Tee Higgins also secured a four-year, $115 million deal, completing the paid receiving duo that Taylor intends to feature in preseason action.
• Quarterback Joe Burrow, after wrist surgery and a league-leading 4,918-yard season, won the George Halas Award and will join the preseason focus ahead of a playoff push.