Bengals sit 2-0 for the first time under Zac Taylor, but the win over Jacksonville came at a price: Joe Burrow exited with a toe injury that could threaten his 2025 season. Jake Browning relieved him and kept Cincinnati rolling, yet the question lingered: can the offense survive long-term without its quarterback?

The discussion turns to the return timeline, Browning’s playoff viability, and what the trenches and an opportunistic defense must do to sustain the run. Sam Hubbard’s recent interview adds a veteran lens on leadership as Cincinnati seeks answers and elevation while Burrow remains in doubt.

The Cincinnati Bengals have undergone significant changes to their 53-man roster following the 2025 offseason, with a focus on bolstering their defense and integrating new talent from recent drafts and free agency. Quarterback Joe Burrow remains a staple, supported by Jake Browning, while the running back group features Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, and Zack Moss. The receiving corps boasts stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, complemented by promising newcomers like Jermaine Burton and Andrei Iosivas.

The defense has seen notable shifts as Germaine Pratt and Sam Hubbard depart, paving the way for rookies and younger players to step up. The defensive line and secondary are particularly highlighted, with T.J. Slaton and B.J. Hill leading a revamped unit. Linebacker Logan Wilson continues to anchor the defense alongside newcomers, aiming to enhance the team's overall performance as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a challenging 2025 season following significant defensive losses, including key players like Sam Hubbard and Germaine Pratt. With a shift towards a youth movement under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, former NFL player Chris Canty expressed skepticism about the team's ability to improve defensively. He highlighted that these departures were strategic, aimed at evolving the squad into a more agile unit. The concern lies in the potential regression as younger players adapt to the new system while trying to support star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Despite these challenges, the Bengals have made calculated moves, including signing T.J. Slaton and relying on second-year players to fill gaps. The transition could either be a misstep or a calculated risk that pays off in the future, depending on how well the team meshes under Golden's leadership. With Burrow's future on the line, Cincinnati's ability to adapt and innovate defensively will be pivotal for their success.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a leadership transition as they prepare for the 2025 season, with several key players departing, including Sam Hubbard, Germaine Pratt, and Vonn Bell. In the wake of this change, the team is looking for new captains to step up and guide the roster.

One of the leading candidates for a captaincy role is defensive lineman B.J. Hill, who is returning to the team. Hill's approach reflects the expectations for a captain, as he emphasizes the importance of leadership and readiness as the team prepares for next season.