The Cincinnati Bengals concluded the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in three years. The Bengals, headed by Jake Browning, struggled through ups and downs, injuries, and inconsistency, failing to make the playoffs.
With Joe Burrow’s comeback, important offseason additions, and roster and coaching staff changes, the Bengals will strive to return to the playoffs, where they believe they belong.
Since Joe Burrow was chosen as the first overall choice from LSU, the Cincinnati Bengals have lived and died on their ability to protect him. This has allowed Burrow to assess opposing defenses, lengthen plays, and perform to his full potential when the offensive line is effective and gives him time.
However, their lack of consistency in this area has become a major issue for the Bengals, preventing them from winning a potential Super Bowl. This was obvious in Super Bowl 56, as experts correctly identified the clear mismatch between the Bengals’ offensive line and the Rams defensive line.
Since then, the Bengals have added reinforcements to their roster, with Orlando Brown Jr. taking over at left tackle. However, it’s troubling that in 2023, the Bengals’ quarterbacks were sacked 50 times, up from 44 in 2022. The Bengals need to improve their quarterback protection.
Burrow must also help. He has always tried to extend plays rather than throw the ball away since his time at LSU, which has resulted in a high rate of sacks.
A sack can force a team to play behind the chains and miss out on scoring opportunities, which could mean the difference between winning and losing, particularly in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Bengals have repeatedly beaten themselves, despite having overcome challenges to win back-to-back AFC crowns prior to last season.
In 52 career games, Joe Burrow has been sacked 148 times. By comparison, Andrew Luck, who retired early, was sacked 115 times in his first 55 professional games. If the Bengals want to make the playoffs and keep their franchise quarterback healthy throughout the season, they can’t allow him take as many hits as he has.
