The Cincinnati Bengals are placing greater emphasis on Chase Brown this season after he emerged as one of the NFL’s top running backs late last year. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher praised Brown, ranking him among the league’s top ten backs and highlighting the importance of maximizing the contributions of their most dynamic players.
From weeks 9 to 17 last season, Brown was fifth in the league in third-down touches, despite missing the final game due to an ankle injury. Initially the backup behind Zack Moss, Brown earned more playing time by improving his receiving skills out of the backfield, ultimately amassing 1,350 total yards—990 rushing and 360 receiving.
Building on their late-season success, the Bengals revamped their offensive approach for 2025 to capitalize on Brown’s strengths. Brown himself feels more powerful, confident, and dependable in both rushing and catching, with his receptions increasing from 14 as a rookie to 54 last season, and expected to grow further with the team’s new strategy.
Brown reflected on his growth and emphasized his focus on improvement through consistent practice. He started the preseason strong by rushing five times for 26 yards and catching three passes for 25 yards in the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, where the Bengals scored on their first two drives but eventually lost 34-27.
Cincinnati’s next preseason game is scheduled for Monday night in Washington. Bengals safety Geno Stone, who faced Brown in 2023, praised his running style and balance, saying Brown can make defenders miss both inside and outside the tackles. Running back coach Justin Hill also noted that the new offensive plan truly reflects Brown’s abilities in both the run and pass game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fan Take: Chase Brown’s rise signals a promising shift for the Bengals’ offense, offering fans a dynamic and versatile weapon in both rushing and receiving. For the NFL, this highlights the evolving role of running backs who can excel as multi-dimensional threats, potentially shaping how teams build offenses moving forward.
