Without Burrow, How Will the Bengals WRs Attack the Lions’ Secondary?

When Joe Burrow isn’t on the field, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers face both a challenge and an opportunity. The Bengals’ offensive identity has long revolved around Burrow’s precise timing, accuracy, and ability to stretch the field with his top targets. Without him, the question looms: how will the Bengals WRs attack the Lions’ secondary?

This matchup is more than just a battle between two position groups—it’s about adjusting schemes, maximizing talent, and testing depth. The Lions’ defense has shown flashes of toughness, but their secondary has also been vulnerable at times. For the Bengals’ wide receivers, this is a chance to prove they can still produce without their franchise quarterback.

Understanding the Bengals’ Wide Receiver Core

The Bengals’ wide receiver room is among the most talented in the league. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd form a trio that can compete with any unit in the NFL. Chase brings explosive playmaking ability, Higgins offers size and contested catch prowess, and Boyd thrives as a reliable slot option.

Even without Burrow, these players maintain their individual strengths. The key lies in how the coaching staff and backup quarterback adjust the game plan to maximize them. Shorter routes, timing-based plays, and creative alignments may become central to attacking the Lions’ defensive backs.

The Challenge of Playing Without Joe Burrow

When discussing how the Bengals WRs attack the Lions’ secondary, it’s important to acknowledge what is lost without Burrow. His chemistry with Chase is irreplaceable, and his ability to read defenses pre-snap sets up favorable matchups. Backup quarterbacks may not have the same level of anticipation, which could lead to a heavier reliance on simplified reads and timing routes.

That said, absence can also open doors. Other receivers may see increased targets, while the scheme could prioritize balance with the run game. For the wideouts, this means adjusting to a quarterback who may prefer quick throws, giving them a chance to showcase yards-after-catch ability rather than deep-ball dominance.

Lions’ Secondary: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Detroit Lions’ secondary has been inconsistent. On one hand, they have a physical style and are unafraid to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. On the other hand, lapses in coverage and susceptibility to big plays have cost them in key moments.

Their cornerbacks are aggressive, but that aggression can be exploited with crisp route running and double moves. Safeties, meanwhile, have improved in run support but occasionally leave open lanes in zone coverage. This balance of strengths and weaknesses creates an interesting chess match for Cincinnati’s receivers, even without Burrow orchestrating the offense.

Ja’Marr Chase: The X-Factor

If there’s one name that defines how the Bengals WRs attack the Lions’ secondary, it’s Ja’Marr Chase. His speed and physicality make him dangerous on every snap. Even with a backup quarterback, Chase can be utilized on quick screens, slants, and crossing patterns that allow him to make plays after the catch.

The Lions’ corners will likely attempt to press him, but Chase’s release off the line is elite. If he can create separation early, shorter throws can still generate chunk plays. Expect the Bengals to use motion and creative formations to isolate him against mismatched defenders.

Tee Higgins: Winning with Size

Tee Higgins provides a different kind of weapon. At 6-foot-4, he thrives in contested situations and along the sideline. Against Detroit’s secondary, Higgins’ size advantage could be crucial, especially in red zone situations where the Bengals may rely on fades or jump balls.

Without Burrow, the passing precision may not be perfect, but Higgins’ ability to adjust mid-air and use his frame gives the offense a margin of error. He is the type of receiver who can bail out a quarterback under pressure by simply outmuscling defenders.

Tyler Boyd: The Reliable Chain Mover

In a game where timing and simplicity may rule, Tyler Boyd becomes invaluable. Operating from the slot, Boyd consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage and provides a safety valve for quarterbacks under duress.

The Lions’ defense has occasionally struggled against slot receivers, leaving room for Boyd to rack up catches underneath. His role could expand significantly, with the Bengals leaning on him to keep drives alive through quick outs, option routes, and short gains that turn into manageable third downs.

Depth Receivers and Their Potential

Beyond the “big three,” the Bengals also have depth receivers who may play bigger roles. Younger players with speed could be used to stretch the field and keep the defense honest. Even if they aren’t targeted often, their presence forces the Lions’ safeties to respect the deep threat, opening opportunities underneath for Chase, Higgins, and Boyd.

Creative rotations could also help prevent Detroit from locking in on predictable alignments. Expect Cincinnati to spread the field at times, testing the Lions’ ability to cover multiple receivers consistently.

Adjustments in Offensive Strategy

How the Bengals WRs attack the Lions’ secondary will depend not just on talent but on offensive strategy. Expect several key adjustments:

More emphasis on short, quick throws to counter Detroit’s pass rush.

Screen passes and jet sweeps designed to put the ball in the hands of playmakers like Chase

Motion and bunch formations to confuse coverages and create mismatches.

Situational deep shots to Higgins, even if fewer than with Burrow, to prevent the defense from creeping up.

By simplifying reads for the quarterback while still leveraging receiver talent, the Bengals can maintain offensive rhythm.

Lions’ Game Plan Against the Bengals WRs

From the Lions’ perspective, defending Cincinnati’s receivers without Burrow changes the approach. Expect Detroit to test the backup quarterback with disguised coverages and heavy blitzes. Their corners may play tighter coverage, daring the quarterback to make perfect throws under pressure.

However, if the Bengals’ wideouts win early in routes, the Lions’ secondary could be forced into conservative adjustments, opening the door for steady yardage gains. The back-and-forth will hinge on execution in key moments.

The Psychological Factor

Football isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s also about confidence. For the Bengals WRs, playing without their star quarterback is a mental test. They know defenses expect a drop-off, and this creates motivation to prove they can still dominate. For the Lions, there’s pressure not to underestimate a unit that remains one of the NFL’s best on paper.

In these matchups, momentum can shift quickly. A single big play by Chase or Higgins could change the entire complexion of the game, reminding both teams that wide receiver talent can elevate any quarterback situation.

Conclusion: Can the Bengals WRs Shine Without Burrow?

The big question—without Burrow, how will the Bengals WRs attack the Lions’ secondary?—comes down to adaptability. Cincinnati’s receivers are too talented to be neutralized entirely. Through creative play calling, reliance on yards after catch, and exploiting mismatches, the Bengals can still challenge Detroit’s defense.

The Lions’ secondary will test their timing and discipline, but the Bengals’ wide receiver trio remains one of the NFL’s most formidable. Even without their star quarterback, this group has the tools to make plays, shift momentum, and keep Cincinnati competitive.

In the end, the game will highlight just how much impact great receivers can have—even when the usual leader under center is missing. For fans, it’s a chance to see whether talent and determination can outweigh circumstance in a high-stakes matchup.