Zac Taylor is back for his eighth season as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who finished just 6-11 last year. Cincinnati’s main question is simple: can it stay healthy and rebound? That hinges on Joe Burrow, who missed eight games last year but is healthy again. Dan Pitcher returns for his third season as offensive coordinator. Chase Brown returns to lead the running back room, with Tahj Brooks and rookie Jonah Coleman providing depth. Cincinnati returns four of its top five pass catchers from last year. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas return, along with tight ends Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki. Iosivas was placed on injured reserve after suffering a thumb injury in Week 2. Chase suffered a concussion against Jacksonville in Week 4 and did not return. The Bengals return all five offensive line starters: Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims. Jalen Rivers also returns to provide experience and depth.

Al Golden is back for his second season as defensive coordinator. The Bengals return eight of their top eleven tacklers from last season. Myles Murphy, T.J. Slaton Jr., and BJ Hill return to a revamped defensive line. Dexter Lawrence comes over from the Giants, Jonathan Allen from the Vikings, and Boye Mafe from the Seahawks. Linebackers Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter return. Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, and Jordan Battle return to the secondary, along with Bryan Cook from Kansas City and Kyle Dugger, who comes over from Pittsburgh. This defense can help make the rebound possible by supporting the offense.

Darrin Simmons returns for year number 24 as special teams coach for the Bengals. Evan McPherson is back after connecting on 89% of his attempts last year. Ryan Rehkow returns as punter after averaging over 50 yards per punt last season. Ke’Shawn Williams will factor into the return game. The Bengals are better than their record last year. Staying healthy remains the key to that rebound. With talent in all three phases, this team can make noise.