Optimism is typically at an all-time high this time of year as NFL teams conduct organized team activities (OTAs). Such is the case in Cincinnati.
“I think this is the most talented roster we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters Wednesday, May 20.
Advertisement
Burrow’s roster assessment is notable because he led the Bengals to a Super Bowl 56 appearance, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams. The following season, Burrow boldly claimed the Bengals’ Super Bowl window is his “whole career” as he guided Cincinnati to an AFC championship game, although they lost to the eventual Super Bowl 57 champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Burrow’s Super Bowl window proclamation in 2023 has since backfired, as the Bengals have been on vacation in three consecutive postseasons.
Slow starts, injuries and poor defensive performance have hindered the 29-year-old quarterback and Cincinnati.
Over the past three years, the team has posted a combined record of (4-8) in Weeks 1-4. Burrow has faced multiple injury setbacks throughout his career, including a season-ending knee injury during his rookie year, a wrist injury that cut short his 2023 season and a toe injury that limited him to just eight games in 2025. He has played in 10 or fewer games in three of his first six seasons which is a reason he’s already earned Comeback Player of the Year honors twice (2021, 2024). Additionally, the Bengals have finished 31st in total defense in two of the last three seasons.
Advertisement
What accounts for Burrow’s confidence being ratcheted up this year?
The Bengals addressed their lackluster defense in a major way this offseason by trading for DT Dexter Lawrence and signing at least two more defensive starters in safety Bryan Cook and edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency.
“Got better at a lot of positions. Signed the best free agent safety, got the best d-tackle in the league in my opinion,” Burrow said of the team’s offseason moves. “We have a lot of depth now on the defensive line. That’s exciting not just for me but for those guys. They don’t have to play as many snaps. They can have more of a rotation. We have everything we need in that locker room. We just got to go and make it happen.”
BENGALS SCHEDULE: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2026 season
Advertisement
The Bengals can make a postseason berth happen if they avoid another slow start, have a good dose of luck on the injury front and improve on what was a deficient defense.
“I’m fired up about the people we brought in. I’m fired up about the mindset guys are bringing on the daily. I’m fired up about the energy everybody is bringing in the weight room, conditioning and in practice,” Burrow said. “We have a lot of work to get done before July, before September but I love where we’re at right now.”
Mafe isn’t on the same caliber as Trey Hendrickson, who departed for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, but he is younger (27) and Lawrence is a considerable upgrade at defensive tackle. While Cook figures to give Cincy’s defensive backfield a boost.
Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have routinely produced one of the NFL’s most potent aerial attacks when healthy, and Cincinnati is set to return five starters along its offensive line.
Advertisement
There’s also continuity on the coaching staff with Zac Taylor being the longest-tenured coach in the AFC North.
The Bengals’ offseason moves should create higher expectations. Burrow’s optimism in May is warranted. His desire to return to the postseason is clear. But if the Bengals experience a fourth-straight season outside of the playoff dance and don’t meet Burrow’s expectation in his self-described “Super Bowl window”, his words will ring hollow, and wholesale changes are likely to ensue.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Burrow believes Bengals roster is best of his career entering 2026
Read the full article here
