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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the better teams in football when Joe Burrow is healthy, but the thing is, that has been rare recently, plus, the defense has been horrible.
When Burrow is healthy, he plays at an All-Pro level, but the defense lets him down badly.
Well, this offseason, moves have been made to strengthen the defense, highlighted by the trade for Dexter Lawrence. Still, some aren't sold on the Bengals as a genuine AFC contender in 2026.
However, for Burrow, he thinks the 2026 version of Cincinnati is ready for all the smoke.
"They're going to keep getting great players to come play for the Bengals, and when they do that, then it's my job and Zac (Taylor)'s job and the leaders of this team to bring the locker room together and then go execute on the field," Burrow said. "We have everything we need."
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Having missed the playoffs for the past three seasons, that is unacceptable for a player of Burrow's caliber.
Now, the big question is, can the Bengals' defense come to the party and just be competent while Burrow maintains the offense's high standards?
Because, as we saw in 2024, when Burrow threw for 43 TDs and just nine interceptions, the Bengals can't make the playoffs if only one side of the ball is good.
So, all eyes will be on the defense in 2026. Burrow thinks the team has everything they need.
Time will tell if that's correct.
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