Burrow convinced Bengals time to return as AFC contenders has to be this season
Burrow said Cincinnati’s offense remains intact, while offseason defensive additions could help the Bengals end a three-year playoff drought.
- Quarterback Joe Burrow enters his seventh season with heightened urgency, declaring after a joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 20 that "This is the year. And I'm tired of saying, Next year, next year, next year."
- Cincinnati has missed the playoffs the past three seasons after reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC championship game the following year, with defensive struggles consistently holding the team back.
- The front office acquired defensive end Boye Mafe, safety Bryan Cook, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in free agency, plus Jonathan Allen. However, the Bengals ranked last in the league stopping the run, allowing 147.1 yards per game.
- Burrow felt optimistic energy during offseason training, saying "I could really feel it in my bones, in my soul in OTAs this year." He expressed confidence the team brought in "the right guys" to chase a Super Bowl.
- The Bengals open their 2026 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13, anchored by one of the NFL's elite offenses when healthy, featuring Burrow's league-leading 68.41% completion rate and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's historic production.
15 Articles
15 Articles
'I just want to win this year' Joe Burrow sends a message to Bengals
Quarterback Joe Burrow led the Bengals to the AFC championship game, where they lost 23-20 to the Chiefs on Jan. 29. Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to throw in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs led 13-6 at halftime. Cincinnati Bengals At Ka…
Joe Burrow Makes Bold Statement on Why 2026 Will Be Different For Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals come into the 2026 NFL season with as much hype and energy as any team across the league. After missing the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, the Bengals are looking to have a bounce-back year. This group wants to get back to the playoffs and reclaim their spot as […]
‘I just want to win this year’ Joe Burrow sends a message to Bengals
Quarterback Joe Burrow led the Bengals to the AFC championship game, where they lost 23-20 to the Chiefs on Jan. 29. Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to throw in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs led 13-6 at halftime. Cincinnati Bengals At Kan…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
