The Cincinnati Bengals have been fortunate in one of the most critical aspects of football: having a quarterback as talented as Joe Burrow. Since his arrival in 2020, Burrow has proven himself not only as a dynamic and skilled player but as a true leader who elevates his team. His ability to make pinpoint throws, his poise under pressure, and his intelligence on the field have made him one of the brightest stars in the NFL today. However, despite Burrow’s undeniable talent and promise, the Bengals have, at times, seemed to squander the opportunity to build a championship contender around him.
Joe Burrow’s ascent to stardom began with his legendary college career at LSU, culminating in a Heisman Trophy and a national championship. His impressive transition to the NFL further solidified his reputation, making him a franchise quarterback for Cincinnati. The Bengals had hit the jackpot with Burrow. His presence on the roster should have been the foundation for a team destined for greatness. And yet, while the Bengals have had moments of brilliance—such as their Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 season—sustained success has eluded them.
There are a number of reasons why the Bengals have not capitalized on the talent that Burrow brings to the table, and they stem from both management decisions and some on-field factors.
### Front Office Decisions and Roster Construction
The Bengals have often been criticized for their approach to roster construction, especially in terms of prioritizing areas that would benefit Burrow. One of the most glaring examples of this was their decision in the 2020 draft, where they took Burrow with the first overall pick. While that decision was undoubtedly the right one, the following moves didn’t always seem to match the urgency of building a team around him.
In 2020, Burrow was thrown into a difficult situation. The offensive line was in disarray, and while the Bengals had decent skill position players, they lacked the protection to maximize Burrow’s abilities. Despite the injuries and pressure Burrow faced, he showed resilience and delivered solid performances. But, tragically, Burrow’s rookie season was marred by a torn ACL and MCL, which only heightened concerns about his long-term health and well-being.
In the years that followed, the Bengals did make efforts to improve their offensive line. In the 2021 NFL draft, they selected wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, a move that would pay huge dividends for Burrow, reuniting him with his college teammate and giving him a game-changing weapon. However, the Bengals still failed to address the offensive line sufficiently, and Burrow continued to be exposed to unnecessary pressure.
The failure to prioritize the offensive line became even more evident during their 2022 season. Despite making a Super Bowl run the previous year, the team’s inability to protect Burrow ultimately hurt their chances of reaching the pinnacle again. Although Burrow continued to make spectacular throws under duress, it’s unreasonable to expect any quarterback to perform at an elite level when consistently under siege.
Even more disappointing is the lack of consistency in the team’s overall approach to free agency and trades. The Bengals have had the financial flexibility to add impact players, but their reluctance to spend big in certain areas has limited their potential. While some teams are aggressive in signing free agents to fill holes, the Bengals have been more conservative, which has hampered their ability to compete with more well-rounded teams.
### Burrow’s Brilliant Performance Despite Challenges
Even with these obstacles, Joe Burrow has still managed to shine. In his short career, he has been everything the Bengals hoped for and more. His ability to read defenses, his uncanny accuracy, and his leadership skills have made him one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has a remarkable ability to perform in clutch moments, evidenced by his postseason success and his poise in high-pressure situations.
However, even the most gifted quarterback cannot do everything alone. Burrow has often had to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders, while the Bengals’ supporting cast has been inconsistent. Burrow has made average receivers look great and led the team to some of its most significant victories in recent history. Yet, as great as he is, Burrow can only do so much when the team’s roster is not up to par.
While the Bengals’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance and has produced several key players in recent years, their inability to consistently build a complete team around Burrow has often left them fighting an uphill battle. The team has too often relied on Burrow’s heroics to keep them competitive, rather than surrounding him with a strong supporting cast.
### A Window That Could Be Closing
The Bengals are at a crucial point in Burrow’s career. In many ways, the window of opportunity for a Super Bowl run is now. Burrow is entering the prime of his career, and yet the team’s failure to build a truly dominant roster around him could waste some of his best years. Quarterbacks like Burrow don’t come around every day, and it would be a tragedy if the Bengals squander this golden opportunity.
The NFL is a league where teams that don’t capitalize on their quarterback’s prime years can quickly fall into mediocrity. While the Bengals have been to the playoffs in recent seasons, their lack of sustained success raises the question: how many more chances will they get with a player as talented as Burrow?
Burrow is not the type to complain publicly about his circumstances, but the front office needs to recognize that they are not only wasting Burrow’s talent but also his time. Each year that passes without adding key pieces to the roster is a missed opportunity for the franchise to truly compete for a Super Bowl.
### Conclusion
Joe Burrow represents the best hope the Cincinnati Bengals have had in decades to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender. His skill set, leadership, and poise are the building blocks of a championship team. However, the Bengals have not done enough to surround him with the necessary talent and support to reach that level of success. The team’s failure to address crucial areas, such as the offensive line, has consistently hindered Burrow’s ability to fully reach his potential.
The Bengals must recognize that they are squandering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Burrow. The quarterback’s window for winning a Super Bowl may be narrow, and it’s essential that the organization does everything in its power to capitalize on the rare gift they have. If they fail to do so, they risk watching Burrow’s prime years pass without ever getting the title they so desperately crave.
