Chase Brown Butters Bengals Run Game; Adjustments Mulled After Injury Ends Erick All Jr.’s Brilliant Rookie Season
In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, the Cincinnati Bengals have been thrown another wrench: the devastating injury to rookie tight end Erick All Jr. The former Michigan standout was off to an impressive start, showing up big for the Bengals with his athleticism and ability to impact both the passing and run games. But just as he was beginning to establish himself as a reliable target and an integral part of Cincinnati’s offensive scheme, All’s season has been cut short by an unexpected and brutal injury. With All sidelined, the Bengals are now relying heavily on second-year running back Chase Brown—a player whose promise hasn’t yet translated into game-changing performances—to carry the run game.
A Rocky Start for the Bengals’ Rushing Attack
The Bengals’ run game this season has been inconsistent at best. Joe Mixon, the veteran back, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to produce consistently, and he has been battling injuries and high mileage. This opened the door for Chase Brown, who entered the NFL with plenty of hype but has yet to reach his potential. Brown has had some promising moments, showcasing speed and agility, but overall, his impact on the Bengals’ ground game has been minimal. His issues with vision and decision-making have led to missed opportunities and a lack of big plays, causing fans to question his potential as the future of Cincinnati’s backfield.
With Erick All’s injury, Cincinnati is hoping Brown can bring a spark to a rushing attack that currently ranks among the league’s worst. The pressure is on him to step up, especially since All’s absence limits the Bengals’ offensive flexibility. But can Brown shoulder the load, or will his continued struggles further expose Cincinnati’s offensive vulnerabilities?
Erick All’s Impact on the Bengals’ Offense
Erick All Jr. was supposed to be a difference-maker in this offense. Drafted as a versatile tight end capable of both blocking and catching passes, All was quickly becoming a go-to player for Joe Burrow. In his limited time on the field, he demonstrated an ability to create mismatches and open up the field for other playmakers. His knack for securing contested catches in high-pressure situations gave Burrow a reliable option beyond Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
All’s contributions went beyond the passing game; his blocking skills were a critical part of the Bengals’ scheme, aiding Mixon and Brown on inside runs and screen plays. Without All, defenses have been able to focus more intently on Cincinnati’s star receivers, further diminishing the run game’s effectiveness. In the wake of his injury, the Bengals have been scrambling to fill the void, but the options currently on their roster don’t offer the same combination of athleticism and physicality that All brought to the table.
Why the Bengals’ Run Game May Continue to Struggle
With Brown taking on a bigger role, there are concerns that Cincinnati’s run game will suffer even more. Brown, who was a standout at Illinois, has struggled with adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Though his speed and athleticism are undeniable, he has yet to develop the field vision and decisiveness that define elite NFL running backs. In the absence of a balanced attack, the Bengals’ offense could become one-dimensional, putting even more pressure on Joe Burrow and the passing game.
Burrow, who has been dealing with lingering health issues himself, can only do so much. Without a credible rushing threat, defenses will load up to defend the pass, and Cincinnati’s offensive line—which has already struggled in pass protection—will have an even harder time keeping Burrow upright. In recent games, Brown has shown some improvement, but many fans are beginning to question whether he has what it takes to be a long-term solution for the Bengals at running back.
This raises larger questions about the Bengals’ front office and their approach to team building. Why hasn’t the organization invested more heavily in a running back who can immediately contribute? And why are they now relying so heavily on a second-year player who hasn’t shown consistency?
Controversial Adjustments: Time to Bring in a Veteran Back?
As the Bengals look for solutions, there’s a growing sense among fans and analysts alike that they may need to explore the free agent market. The recent availability of veteran backs like Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt has led many to wonder if Cincinnati should bring in a more experienced player who can contribute right away. A veteran could provide the stability and vision that Brown lacks, and the Bengals’ playoff hopes could depend on a strong finish to the season. However, the team’s reluctance to sign players with controversial pasts, such as Hunt, could limit their options.
Another possible adjustment involves a larger role for Joe Mixon, assuming he can stay healthy. But there’s no denying that Mixon’s high mileage and previous injuries make it risky to lean on him too heavily. Additionally, Mixon’s style as a more traditional north-south runner doesn’t quite complement Brown’s speed and agility, meaning the Bengals might lack the change of pace they need to keep defenses guessing.
If Brown doesn’t step up, it could lead to larger ramifications within the organization. Questions around the team’s ability to evaluate and develop young talent will certainly arise, and some are even calling for changes to the Bengals’ offensive coaching staff. Could a new offensive coordinator bring out the best in Brown? Or is it time for the Bengals to start thinking about the future and invest in a higher-tier running back in next year’s draft?
What the Future Holds for Chase Brown and Erick All Jr.
For Chase Brown, this season represents a turning point. With Erick All sidelined, Brown has an opportunity to prove he’s more than just an underwhelming prospect with unrealized potential. But if he fails to take advantage, the Bengals may look to draft a new running back, bringing an end to Brown’s time as the face of their backfield experiment. The next few games will be critical, and fans will be watching closely to see if Brown can rise to the challenge.
As for Erick All Jr., his future remains bright, though his rookie season has ended in heartbreak. A full recovery could position him as one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends, and he’ll likely be eager to return stronger than ever. However, the Bengals will need to ensure that they have the right personnel in place to make the most of his talent when he returns.
Final Thoughts: Are the Bengals’ Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy?
With a patchwork run game and an increasingly predictable offense, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The team’s decisions in the coming weeks—whether they involve signing a veteran back, tweaking the offensive scheme, or giving Brown a vote of confidence—will determine whether Cincinnati can salvage its season. For fans, it’s a nerve-wracking time, and the frustration is palpable as they watch a promising roster struggle to meet expectations.
Whether Chase Brown can silence his critics or whether the Bengals’ front office will take a bold step to right the ship, one thing is certain: this season will be a defining moment for both players and the organization. The spotlight is now on the Bengals to make the right moves—and fast.
