The Cincinnati Bengals lined up for a very difficult preseason game against one of the league’s top teams in the Kansas City Chiefs. As if they didn’t have enough hardships already, the Bengals communication systems were giving the team’s unexpected issues.

As many may remember, the Bengals, under the leadership of Marvin Lewis, had similar issues last season. We also cannot forgot the cable failure in Los Angeles which prevented coach-to-coach and coach-to-player communication.

That said, in the team’s 21-point loss, you could tell something wasn’t right as rookie quarterback Ryan Finley continued to hurry to the sideline prior to each snap of his first professional series.

The Athletic’s Jay Morrison gave a more detailed explanation of what went wrong on Saturday night.

“Saturday night, the issue was with Finley’s helmet, forcing him to run back and forth to the sideline to get play calls from Taylor during his first series.”

However, the Bengals may just be trying to figure out their new system. Per Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson, the team has transitioned to a different communication system for this upcoming season.

“What is unique about this year is the Bengals will utilize a streamlined headset communication system that should eliminate any interference and be easier to manage from the equipment side.’

Jake Kiser, the Bengals’ Senior Director of Technology, said the speaker inside a quarterback’s helmet is half the size it used to be. The new system also has less outside interference due to the way it is encrypted.”

This didn’t impact Finley’s exceptional play as he ended the night as Cincinnati’s best quarterback. Finishing the game 13/18, Finley concluded his first NFL action with over 100 yards and the team’s sole passing touchdown.

Let’s hope this new technology doesn’t continue to give Cincinnati issues moving into the team’s second preseason game, which will be in Washington D.C. on Thursday, August 15.