Bengals 2025 preseason schedule gives Zac Taylor even more reason to keep his word regarding prevalent problem

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated May 16, 2025 1:55 PM ET

The month of August should look different for the Cincinnati Bengals compared to past years under head coach Zac Taylor. Pressure to start fast and play like a championship-caliber team in Week 1 urges Cincinnati to play its starters more often in the preseason.

"I see our guys playing more in the preseason this year than we have in the past," Taylor said during the NFL Annual Meeting in March.

It's the obvious change Taylor needs to make in order to flip the early season script. The Bengals are 1-11 during the first two weeks of the last six regular seasons, all under their current HC. Giving his best players more reps in the weeks leading up to the real deal isn't guaranteed to provide better results, but it's a risk the 42-year old needs to take.

Taylor now knows which teams his starters will have chances to play against in the preseason, and two of them in particular are ideal for this new approach.

Bengals 2025 Preseason Schedule

Week 1: at Philadelphia Eagles - Thursday, Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET on Bengals Preseason TV Network
Week 2: at Washington Commanders - Monday, Aug. 18, 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN
Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts - Saturday, Aug. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET on Bengals Preseason TV Network

Two of Cincinnati's preseason opponents were amongst the final four teams in last year's playoff bracket, and one of them ended up winning the Super Bowl. The Eagles and Commanders are two talented clubs that would likely be favored to win a regular season matchup against the Bengals. Recent memory certainly supports this.

Cincinnati faced Philadelphia and Washington at home last season and lost both games. Each team also dropped at least 37 points on Cincy's maligned defense.

While neither club is going to unleash its full playbook in August, the Bengals know very well how capable both teams are. If both matchups feature starters going against starters, these are ideal tests for Cincinnati's first-string units. That they're both on the road makes it even more challenging.

The Bengals' final preseason game is a traditional matchup against the Colts. The close proximity between Cincinnati and Indianapolis makes this a convenient final exhibition for both teams, and the reserves and players fighting for roster spots will get the spotlight that day.

In an ideal world, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and other starters will already be ready for the regular season slate by then, resting after two weeks of notable playing time against two skillful opponents.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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