Cincinnati Bengals fans were probably a little underwhelmed when the team didn’t make a big splash in front of Joe Burrow this offseason to address both problematic guard spots.
Instead, the team signed free agent Lucas Patrick, drafted Dylan Fairchild in the third round and brought back Cody Ford while throwing a pay cut at Cordell Volson.
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In the aftermath of that so-so showing, ESPN’s Ben Solak has now thrown the issue under the national spotlight:
“Staying on our theme of AFC contenders and key offensive line positions, the Bengals are filling the shoes of Alex Cappa (released as a cap casualty) with either incumbent Cody Ford or free agent addition Lucas Patrick. Neither is a thrilling option, which leaves the door open for rookie third-rounder Dylan Fairchild to win the spot. Guard play was a big issue for this team last season, and Joe Burrow’s injury history makes poor pass protection feel all the more concerning.”
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Fairchild already shoved his way into first-team reps at OTAs on the left side of center Ted Karras. That leaves Patrick as the possible starter on the other side, provided all goes well for the first-year player.
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While this isn’t the level of urgency Bengals fans wanted to see at such a drastic need, the team’s offseason has been all-in on the idea that new coaches in key areas will unlock development that previously hasn’t happened.
For the tricky guard spot, that heavy weight falls on new offensive line coach Scott Peters. Whether it works could decide much about Zac Taylor’s entire coaching staff in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ OL battle in front of Joe Burrow earns national spotlight