The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t give younger players enough run during the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that eliminated them from playoff contention.
That much seems obvious when looking at the official snap counts from the loss.
Some takeaways:
- Guard Alex Cappa played 93 percent of the snaps compared to his usual 100 due to a mid-game injury.
- Ja’Marr Chase (73 percent) and Tee Higgins (41) both played through injuries, with the latter leaving and eventually returning to tough it out.
- Rookie wideout Andrei Iosivas only got 20 snaps, while Charlie Jones was restricted to special teams. Missing the latter’s speed when other players were hobbled hurt the offense.
- Despite the massive outbursts in recent weeks, rookie running back Chase Brown only got 11 snaps. That’s inexcusable, barring injury or massive concerns about pass protection, given the speed he presents.
- Same story on defense, where first-rounder Myles Murphy only got 16 snaps despite it seeming like Sam Hubbard was limited by injury and Trey Hendrickson logged 72 percent. While we’re at it, Joseph Ossai played just five snaps.
- Bottom line: The Bengals drafted talent and didn’t use it. It feels like the staff got stuck wanting to run a limited playbook for injured stars instead of relying on the guys they drafted and keep the attack fully open and it cost them. The team should be open to massively playing these players during the Week 18 game against the Browns that doesn’t matter.
Full snap counts:
