The Cincinnati Bengals had an impressive run in the 2021-22 season, making it to their first Super Bowl in 33 years. Although they suffered a devastating loss to the Los Angeles Rams, many saw it as the beginning of a competitive era for the Bengals. Unfortunately, Joe Burrow’s injuries have prevented them from returning to the big game. In an interview on The Pivot Podcast, Burrow expressed that he would rather never make it back to the Super Bowl than experience another defeat.
“After that loss, it becomes increasingly difficult as time goes on,” Burrow shared. “Right after it happened in 2021, we had high hopes, but we weren’t sure. We had the fifth pick the previous year, and suddenly we started performing exceptionally towards the end of the season. We were 5-4 at the bye week, fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot. Then, all of a sudden, we turned it around and found ourselves in the Super Bowl… So, it starts to get tougher. However, every year is a fresh start, and we will approach it with determination.”
The Bengals may face the departure of Tee Higgins due to free agency at the end of the season, potentially ending his dynamic partnership with Jamarr Chase. If this is their final season together, it signifies the last opportunity for the Bengals to hold a significant advantage over their AFC rivals in terms of wide receiver talent. Will they be able to capitalize on this advantage in the 2024-25 season?
The path to the Super Bowl in the AFC goes through the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite their offensive struggles last season, the Chiefs remain the reigning champions for two consecutive years and boast the league’s top quarterback. The Bengals have been the only team to defeat them in the playoffs over the past four seasons and will need to do it again to secure a Super Bowl berth.
The key to the Bengals’ success this season lies in keeping Joe Burrow in good health. Surprisingly, they had a better record last season without him (4-3) than with him (5-5), but this does not indicate any decline in Burrow’s abilities. A healthy Burrow has the capability to connect with both Chase and Higgins, wreaking havoc on opposing defenses despite the absence of Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd.
Mixon has moved on to become the running back for the rising Houston Texans. They aspire to be considered among the top AFC teams, alongside the Ravens, Bills, Bengals, and Chiefs. Acquiring Mixon to solidify their running back corps would greatly contribute to achieving that goal. Zach Moss and Chase Brown will lead the running game for Cincinnati this year.
With their talented quarterback, the Bengals have a tremendous chance of making it to the Super Bowl this year. Burrow’s desire to win the championship was evident in his statements on The Pivot Podcast. When a quarterback possesses such exceptional talent and displays a fierce competitive spirit, fans can rest assured that they have found their quarterback of the future.
The Bengals will face their most significant test early in the season. Their Week Two matchup is a challenging road game against the Chiefs, scheduled for a 4:25 start. The Bengals must begin the season strongly if they want to reach the Super Bowl.
Photo from Joe Burrow Instagram
