Overview

• The Bengals fell 34-27 to the Eagles in Thursday’s preseason opener at Lincoln Financial Field.
• Joe Burrow completed nine of ten passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns but labeled his own outing “average” and urged teammates to eliminate procedural errors.
• Coach Zac Taylor deployed first-team offense for two live series to simulate regular-season conditions and accelerate early-season readiness.
• Cincinnati’s starting defense conceded 10 points to backups and revealed coverage gaps and missed tackles resembling last season’s struggles.
• Eagles backup Tanner McKee shone with 20-for-25 passing for 252 yards, two touchdown throws and a rushing score as he stakes his claim as the top Hurts backup.