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The Cincinnati Bengals dedicated much of their training camp to refining their under-center offensive approach. However, that extensive preparation has seemingly backfired, as the team now finds itself at the bottom of the league in that category.
Currently, the Bengals rank dead last in the NFL when operating from under center, mustering a mere 3.3 yards per play. To put that in perspective, they averaged 5.1 yards per play from under center during the 2025 season.
The running game has been ineffective, Joe Burrow appears less comfortable executing play-action passes, and the team is utilizing under-center formations at a rate 54% higher than last season. All these factors contribute to a more anemic offense than Cincinnati has displayed in recent years.
Key Analysis
A critical question looms: at what point will the Bengals abandon under-center plays entirely, except when protecting a late lead? It seems that moment is approaching. Ideally, the Bengals should incorporate more up-tempo offense earlier in games. This team is constructed to play with a lead, and with their improved pass rush, under-center concepts should theoretically be more effective when ahead.
In theory, under-center should enhance offensive efficiency by opening up play-action and reducing the quarterback's passing volume. In reality, it hampers this team: it prevents them from building early leads, the running game is even more stagnant than from shotgun, and Burrow thrives when he can survey the field immediately after the snap.
The Bengals will travel to Miami this week, aiming to return to the win column. If they persist with heavy under-center usage, they might inadvertently give the Dolphins the confidence boost they need to secure their first win of the season. Regardless of the outcome, the Bengals must conduct a thorough self-evaluation during the bye week to determine their primary offensive identity moving forward.
As of now, there is little justification for continuing to flog a failing under-center approach. The Bengals invested an offseason in building this system, but the results are stark: last year they averaged 5.1 yards per play from under center; this year it's 3.3, dead last in the NFL on 54% more snaps.
Originally reported by yahoo.