Stop the Bengals’ run game
While the Bengals’ offense is highlighted by their receiving duo of Chase and Higgins, they also have a threat in the run game in HB Chase Brown they will have to account for.
In Brown’s first two seasons with the Bengals, he recorded 273 carries for 1,169 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, Schwartz said Brown has developed over his first two seasons and brings speed to the run game. He played a significant role in the run game in 2024, leading the Bengals with 229 carries and 990 rushing yards.
The Bengals averaged 92.6 rushing yards per game in 2024, with Brown averaging 61.9 yards per game on 14.3 carries per game.
“He’s earned trust, and they’ve been a bit of a one-dimensional team over the last couple years,” Schwartz said. “Look, there’s a big disparity in the rankings and in passing game and rush game, and I’m sure they want to rectify that. So, he’s a big part of that. They brought in (Samaje) Perine to be in protection in some third-down situations, and he’s good in the passing game, and they drafted a guy too. So, they’ve made a big commitment to the running game.”
Perine, who spent three full seasons with the Bengals from 2019-22, returned to the Bengals this season. In his role as a halfback, Perine adds a veteran who can be a rotational contributor in the run game as well as a contributor as a pass blocker on third downs. They also drafted Tahj Brooks in the 2025 NFL Draft to add a young player to the room for depth.