Join Dave Lapham and Dave Berk for an in-depth analysis of the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-27 preseason-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. In this episode of "In The Trenches," presented by First Star Logistics, Lapham breaks down the highs and lows of the Bengals' first game action of the 2025 season.

The story of the night was the tale of two quarterbacks for the Bengals. Joe Burrow was in mid-season form, delivering a spectacular performance that had the hosts buzzing. Burrow finished his night an impressive 9-of-10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, earning a stellar 157.5 quarterback rating. Lapham notes that Burrow's excellence in practice has clearly carried over, stating he's "preparing and bracing himself for a phenomenal season." His accuracy was on full display, with Lapham remarking, "he is so accurate, he puts the ball in the tightest spots."

The connection between Burrow and his star receivers was electric. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were running "unbelievably precise routes," and the chemistry they've built with their quarterback was evident. Lapham emphasizes the trust Burrow has in his targets, particularly highlighting the performance of tight end Tanner Hudson, who caught two touchdown passes, one from Burrow and the other from Desmond Ridder.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically once the first-team offense left the field. The backup quarterbacks, Jake Browning and Desmond Ridder, struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Browning went 6-of-14 for 62 yards with an interception, while Ridder was 7-of-16 for 91 yards and a touchdown. Lapham points out the stark difference in performance, acknowledging the significant drop-off from a quarterback of Burrow's caliber.

On the defensive side of the ball, there were notable concerns. The Eagles' offense found success on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and averaging over four and a half yards per carry. Lapham notes that the Bengals' defense, under the direction of Al Golden, had trouble containing the Eagles' rushing attack, allowing for some "big gaps to run the football in." He did, however, see some positive flashes from the rookie class, including defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, who he believes "has star power."

The special teams unit had a mixed bag of results. Evan McPherson was a perfect two-for-two on field goals, including a long of 51 yards, a positive sign for the veteran kicker. The return game also showed promise, with Jermaine Burton and Gary Brightwell providing some exciting returns.

This is a must-listen for any Bengals fan looking for a detailed and knowledgeable perspective on the team's first outing of 2025.