Join us for an in-depth film study of Cincinnati Bengals' 6th-round draft pick, running back Tajh Brooks! Is he a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed, or another late-round flyer?

In this episode of Bengals on the Brain, presented by First Star Logistics, we dive deep into the tape, analyzing Brooks' game against Baylor to uncover his strengths, weaknesses, and overall fit within the Bengals' offensive scheme.

We'll dissect his:

Rushing Style: Analyzing his zone vs. gap scheme tendencies, patience, vision, and ability to manipulate linebackers. We'll compare his performance in this game to others, including a contrast with his struggles in the Iowa State game. Is he best suited for the Bengals' current run game?

Lateral Agility & Cutting Ability: Brooks is known for his impressive lateral agility. We'll break down specific plays where his quick cuts and ability to change direction made a difference. How does he compare to Chase Brown in this area?

Contact Balance & Strength: Brooks possesses impressive contact balance. We'll highlight his ability to break tackles, run through defenders, and gain yards after contact. We'll also contrast this with Chase Brown's skill set, making a compelling contrast of the Bengals options.

Pass Protection: A crucial aspect for any NFL running back, especially in the Bengals' pass-heavy offense. We'll examine Brooks' pass-blocking technique, awareness, effort, and success rate. We will analyze the sack he gave up in this Baylor game, as well as touch on the importance of full-field reads and recognizing blitzing linebackers. Can he be a reliable blocker for Joe Burrow?

Receiving Ability: Brooks has shown flashes of receiving ability out of the backfield. We'll analyze his route running, hands, and ability to make catches in contested situations.

Overall Fit and Projection: Based on our film analysis, we'll discuss Brooks' potential role in the Bengals' offense and compare him to current running backs such as Chase Brown, Zach Moss, and Samaje Perine. Can he contribute as a rookie?

Statistics: We will dive into his balance between 13 Zone Runs and 12 Gap runs, his 60 yards after contact, and his 115 yards after contact in the contest.

We'll also discuss the challenges the Bengals face with their demanding schedule, the high number of away games, and the team's reliance on nationally televised prime-time games. How does this impact player fatigue and performance?

Don't miss this detailed film breakdown of Tajh Brooks and an exploration of the Bengals' running back situation!