If you're looking to savor Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's first start in an NFL preseason opener Saturday (7 p.m.-Cincinnati's FOX 19) at Paycor Stadium, don't blink.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor figures to expose Burrow and his first team to only a handful of plays against the Buccaneers, so root for a five-play touchdown drive and start looking for backup Jake Browning.
But even if it's brief, it's an important aspect of Taylor's plan to get his regulars in a game mindset earlier in the preseason. He's hoping going through pregame warmups and routines followed by limited game action flows into the regular season more quickly.
After all, there's not much Taylor has to see from Burrow.
"I've seen him play at a high level for a number of years so I don't overreact or underreact to anything that's going on," Taylor said. "It's just where are we at as an offense and I feel pleased with where he's at and how he's leading this team."
The only starter expected to work with Browning is rookie right tackle Amarius Mims. Plus, Tanner Hudson could get worked in with rookie tight ends Erick All Jr., Tanner McLachlan, and Cam Gandy. Running backs Chase Brown and Zack Moss probably leave with Burrow. Taylor would like to play all four quarterbacks if the snaps allow.
ON DEFENSE: The first defense also figures to get only a handful of snaps, especially since three of the starting defensive linemen aren't expected to play in ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard and tackle Sheldon Rankins, all expected to be back soon from minor ailments.
With backup end-tackle Cam Sample (Achilles) out for the year, and tackles Jay Tufele, Devonnsha Maxwell, and Domenique Davis not ready yet, three defensive linemen just signed in the last three days will see plenty of time.
SPECIAL OPS: Taylor likes how both punters, incumbent Brad Robbins and college free agent Ryan Rehkow, have looked in practice and look for them to alternate punts and holds Saturday.
Chase Brown may get a shot to run back the Bengals' first kickoff return in the new alignment, but look for backup running backs Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans to do the bulk of the returns.
With incumbent punt returner Charlie Jones expected to be out after getting carted off the field Thursday, look for fellow wide receivers Trenton Irwin and Kwamie Lassiter II to take them.
PRESS BOX SEATING: It is Dan Pitcher's debut as the Bengals offensive coordinator, but he's back where it all started eight years ago as a Bengals offensive assistant.
In the press box.
During the previous four seasons as the quarterbacks coach, Pitcher was on the field.
"Pitch talked a lot over the years, that kind of increased as it went, so that won't be a new voice for me to hear that communication," Taylor said of the headset. "Everyone knows how we operate. They've all been here a number of years, so nothing is unusual with how we do things."
The extra seat next to Pitcher goes to new pass game coordinator Justin Rascati, starting his sixth year in the league after stints working with both the offensive line and quarterbacks.
"I just have a lot of confidence in him. He's going to be next to Pitch in the press box. A lot of times, the way that works is it's easier to just hear one voice," Taylor said. "It can throw you off a little sometimes when you can't figure out who's asking a question. But he'll be right there with Pitch. He'll have his role he'll play. He's ready for anything and been a great addition for us"
SLANTS AND SCREENS: Backup tackle D'Ante Smith isn't expected to play, but could be back for Monday's practice …
With Charlie Jones probably not playing at receiver, look for Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas to leave with Burrow and Trenton Irwin soon after …
Rookie wide receiver Cole Burgess is out for Saturday, but could be back Monday …
