Joe Burrow entered the NFL with high expectations after an outstanding career with the LSU Tigers. During his college years, it was clear that his arrival in the league would make an immediate impact, and he did not disappoint. Since his early days on the field, his talent quickly drew comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the game. Experts placed him in the same conversation as Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. And they were right-his level of play has been unique. The problem, however, is that over the last two seasons, the team around him has not been at his level.
The Bengals’ problems are not Burrow’s
Burrow has delivered spectacular performances despite battling injuries that have occasionally slowed him down. He has remained at the top of his game. Unfortunately, his offensive line has resembled Swiss cheese, filled with gaps that allow constant pressure. As a result, the leader of Cincinnati’s offense often has no time to develop plays, read defenses or show his full potential on the field.
Yet the offensive line is not the only issue. The Bengals’ defense has also failed to provide stability. Without consistency on that side of the ball, winning games becomes a monumental challenge.
On ESPN’s Get Up last Tuesday, August 19, analyst Ryan Clark addressed the situation bluntly, emphasizing the urgency for the franchise to resolve it if they hope to give their young quarterback a legitimate chance at leading them back to a Super Bowl.
Absolutely, I mean, if you watch that game last night, and you think about, especially early on last season, we’ve watched people run for more miles against the Cincinnati Bengals than David Goggins. The Bengals are trying to figure out a way to capitalize on having one of the best quarterbacks of this generation. So, what they did in the offseason was re-sign Tee Higgins, re-sign Jamar Chase.
But now you’re looking at a defense that hasn’t improved. Not only has it not improved but you haven’t signed your best player and one of the few impact players you had on that side of the football. If you’re Joe Burrow, the reason you’re out here in the preseason is because you know you have to score 40.
Clark also criticized the poor roster construction that leaves Burrow constantly under pressure.
When you watch this in the preseason, you have to be sick to your stomach because you know there’s gonna be some games where you sit in the post-game press conference where you score 35, 38, maybe 41, and you still catch an L.
Trey Hendrickson’s pause with the Bengals
Clark’s critique extended to the unresolved contract situation of star defender Trey Hendrickson. The four-time Pro Bowler has not participated in team practices, leaving the defense even weaker. Without him, Clark argued, Cincinnati will be significantly worse, making it difficult to envision Burrow carrying them to major success.
The Bengals’ preseason will conclude against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, August 23.
Their 2025 season opener comes against the Cleveland Browns, a team full of uncertainties at quarterback. Although veteran Joe Flacco, now 40, has been named the starter, the matchup seems winnable. Still, memories linger of last season’s opener against New England, when the Bengals were heavy favorites yet suffered a stunning defeat. That loss set the tone for a disastrous campaign.
Read the full article here
