PHILADELPHIA — Ask Joe Burrow's teammates about the quarterback's approach this preseason and they'll all tell you the same thing: something is different.
He's barking in the huddle. He's demanding more from those around him. Ja'Marr Chase has dubbed him "Angry Joe," while Burrow simply calls it a "sense of urgency."
Whatever the label, it's hard to argue with the results.
Whether it's Burrow's renewed intensity, an aggressive offseason by the front office, or simply a more talented football team, the Bengals appear to be playing with a purpose that has been missing in recent years. After finishing the preseason with a convincing 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati enters the regular season undefeated in exhibition play and carrying plenty of momentum.
No player has done more to improve his stock this summer than wide receiver Dohnte Meyers.
The training camp sensation wasted little time making his presence felt Friday night, hauling in three receptions for 51 yards on Cincinnati's opening drive. His performance helped set up Evan McPherson's first field goal of the evening, a 29-yarder. McPherson would go on to connect on all three of his attempts, including a booming 58-yard kick before halftime.
Meyers' emergence, combined with the additions of Colbie Young, Noah Thomas, and several other undrafted free agents—not to mention last year's training camp darling Mitchell Tinsley—has turned wide receiver into one of the deepest position groups on the roster. Final cuts won't be easy, but it's a good problem for Zac Taylor and his staff to have.
Speaking of depth, the quarterback room continues to impress.
Everyone knows what Joe Burrow brings to the offense, and veteran Joe Flacco has already proven he can win games in this league. Behind them, however, Josh Johnson quietly put together one of the better preseasons of any backup quarterback in the NFL.
Johnson was once again poised and efficient Friday night, completing 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards while spreading the football to eight different receivers. He consistently took what the defense gave him, moved the offense with confidence, and showed exactly why teams continue to value his experience after nearly two decades in the league.
Behind Johnson, St. Xavier product Sean Clifford continued his impressive camp. His best moment came in the fourth quarter when he made multiple adjustments at the line of scrimmage, snapped the ball just before the play clock expired, and delivered a strike to Ke'Shawn Williams, who turned the 11-yard reception into Cincinnati's lone passing touchdown of the night.
The defense was equally impressive.
Several second- and third-team defenders continued to make strong cases for roster spots, including Isaiah Foskey and Landon Robinson. The biggest standout, however, was third-round cornerback Tacario Davis, who seemed to be everywhere on the field. His second-quarter interception set up another Bengals scoring drive, and his combination of size, length, and athleticism continues to hint at a tremendous ceiling once he becomes fully acclimated to the NFL game.
The Bengals' running game put the finishing touches on the victory after halftime.
Jamal Haynes and Kentrell Bullock repeatedly gashed Philadelphia's defense, with Haynes producing one of the most impressive runs of the preseason. His 39-yard touchdown showcased remarkable balance and determination as he broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone. Bullock also found the end zone after an earlier fumble that fortunately stayed in Cincinnati's possession. Outside of that miscue, both backs ran with the kind of physicality coaches love to see.
If either Haynes or Bullock survives final cuts, they may initially find themselves on the practice squad. Still, neither Tahj Brooks, Gary Brightwell, nor Kendall Milton did much throughout the preseason to separate themselves from the competition, leaving the Bengals with another difficult decision as roster deadlines approach.
Preseason records rarely predict regular-season success, but what they do reveal is organizational depth.
Throughout August, Cincinnati's backups consistently outplayed opposing reserve units, while young players across the roster continued to develop under defensive coordinator Al Golden and Taylor's coaching staff. Those are encouraging signs for a team determined to erase the disappointment of last several seasons.
Roster cutdown day promises to bring difficult decisions.
One thing, however, appears increasingly clear.
This is a deep, talented football team that believes its championship window remains wide open.