Bengals Persist Playing As If They’re In A Fantasy League, while Joe Burrow Keeps Bearing the Heavy Cost

This is widely understood that constructing a real NFL roster is not the same as drafting a fantasy lineup. Simply stacking flashy playmakers is not enough to hope to compete for a Super Bowl. Winning franchises need to zero in regarding roster depth, scheme fit, player synergy, and addressing including underrated positions.

Yet Cincinnati’s front office has repeatedly overlooked that blueprint, and once again they are paying a steep price—now with a significant injury suffered by star quarterback Joe Burrow. In Sunday’s close win against Jacksonville, the quarterback suffered a painful toe issue while taken down against defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Reports suggest Burrow could be out at least multiple months, marking the third instance in six seasons where his subpar offensive line has contributed to cutting short season of their signal-caller.

An Ongoing Pattern of Inadequate Protection

Virtually all pro franchises value pass protection over nearly everything, particularly if they have a player such as Joe Burrow. Those that ignore that aspect often suffer via poor quarterbacking or eventual injuries. Last season, the Bengals fielded one of the least effective offensive lines across the league, and did minimal in the off-season to improve the issue.

While they signed interior linemen Patrick and Dalton Risner as free agents, neither have made much improvement. The former scarcely seen the field, while Risner in limited action yielded a quarterback takedown plus four total pressures over 75 pass-blocking snaps. First-year guard Fairchild, selected with pick 81, has also had issues in protection.

At both tackle positions, Brown paired with Amarius Mims return as starting roles. Brown, earning top-five salaries, has historically been more of a liability than a stalwart. Mims, a former first-round pick, is still developing and finding his footing. Center, Karras rates as little more than an average player.

How This Harms Joe Burrow In Particular

Although he is among the best pocket manipulators in the NFL currently, the quarterback lacks highly mobile when leaving the pocket. Burrow relies heavily on structured blocking to excel at a high level. That’s astonishing that he has managed so well even without inconsistent support by the men up front.

Head coach Zac Taylor has tried to compensate with an unusually large volume of quick passes—more than every other club in the league. In last season, Burrow led the league in attempts thrown in under 2.5 seconds. This approach aims to get the ball out prior to pressure gets home.

However, relying entirely around a short-passing game restricts offensive options while producing an extremely slim margin for error. When it doesn’t released quickly, Burrow gets hit. And, given three among the team’s largest contracts belonging to the QB and wideouts Chase and Higgins, it’s fair to wonder: what good is top-tier targets if the offense can only run a limited playbook?

Zac Taylor’s Response and Reality

After the incident, the coach stated how “it’s unlucky it occurred, though it’s part of football.” Taylor added how Burrow “was clean almost all the time, but one play is where it happened.”

This response is disingenuous at best. Burrow is rarely “clean” during that contest—and at any point during his time with the Bengals. Against Jacksonville, Burrow faced pressure on multiple occasions leading up to the injury. Actually, on the last 4 throws, Burrow got taken down, hit, or hurried each play.

Concerning Comparison

This pattern is reminiscent of what happened with ex- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck was an extraordinary prospect but whose career was cut short due to injuries largely stemming from inadequate offensive line performance. Luck unexpectedly retired back in 2019 following seasons of punishing punishment.

Noted analysts have observed, the parallels between the former Colt with the Bengal after 6 years are alarming. It shouldn’t mean Burrow is ready to retire anytime soon, however it should serve as a stark reminder for Cincinnati’s management: absent adequate protection, even the best offensive weapons cannot save a season.

What’s Next for Cincinnati?

With the starter sidelined, backup Browning will step in. While Browning played respectably in a stint last year, he had 3 picks versus Jacksonville before settling his rhythm. Plus, he won’t be to perform better under pressure than Burrow.

It’s important to remember that even when Burrow was healthy and performing at his best, the team often lost games due to a suspect defensive unit. Over the previous season, Cincinnati scored 30 or more points in eight games but fell short four of those.

Yet another lost year should serve as the ultimate wake-up call to this organization. However, given their history, fans have little reason for optimism that real change will follow.