For those wondering why the Cincinnati Bengals might play Joe Burrow and the starters during the first preseason game of the fall, a look at the schedule might explain much.
As Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic explained, it might come down to the joint practices on the schedule:
Part of the reason to go with the first preseason game is the team will have joint practice before the second and third games against the Bears and Colts, respectively, where the starters will see plenty of action in a controlled environment.
Viewed through that lens, it all makes sense. When the Bengals broke from the usual summer affairs and announced joint practices with multiple teams, there didn’t seem to be a deeper reasoning.
Now, though, Burrow and an offense that didn’t get to rep at all before a slow start last season will get controlled reps in live action for three straight “games” before Week 1.
It’s a little thing, but it might just help the offense sync up well while the rest of the league attempts to figure out how to keep guys healthy in an already-shortened preseason.
If it works, expect to see more methodical planning like this in the future.
