Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has undergone some extreme trials and tests as he moves into the 2023 NFL season. The young star finished last year leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. That line has already allowed him to get sacked five times through just a game-and-a-half, tying him for the 10th-most in the league right now. This startling number illustrates all of the red flags surrounding the Bengals’ offensive line. It raises broader concerns about Burrow’s protection beyond just the pocket.
Even after ranking fifth on QBR a year ago, Burrow’s breakout has an asterisk. That’s been an issue for the Bengals’ offensive line ever since. They laid claim to the league’s lowest pass block win rate over that span. We appreciate the team’s substantial commitment to enhancing this vital stretch. They made a big splash by signing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to bolster Burrow’s protection.
Issues persist. Even a clean pocket puts pressure on Burrow. Burrow’s problems this season go far beyond the offensive line. His decision-making and mobility can limit his ability to capitalize on those chances. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledges this complexity, stating, “The line always takes all the blame for it.” This sentiment is an indication of a larger discussion that has been happening behind the scenes about accountability on the team.
Burrow’s previous injury history is another added layer of concern. He endured a serious case of turf toe in Week 2 that came during a showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Due to this injury, he was for the third time in his career placed on injured reserve. This specific setback is more troubling. When he was taken first overall by the Bengals in 2020, he became an immediate inflection point for a proud franchise that hadn’t won a playoff game since 1991 before his arrival.
The Bengals’ are notoriously bad at investing in their o-line. Aside from drafting Burrow, they have since fallen to 19th in salary cap spending at this key position. That team will need to address these hurdles squarely. They have to do all of the above while balancing their offensive strategy with protecting their franchise quarterback. Last year, they had the second-most dropbacks in the entire NFL—behind only the Cleveland Browns.
Burrow’s relationship with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is key in elevating the Bengals offense. Combined, they represent about 32% of the team’s 2025 salary cap. Their ability to execute plays effectively could be instrumental in alleviating some of the pressure on Burrow and the offensive line.
In flashes, Burrow has been a revelation, showing an ability to make every throw and displaying the quick processing that few can match. A better illustration is his macdonaldesque improvisation that turned into the game-winning endzone flicker to ja’Marr Chase against the Squirrelbirdies from San Francisco. What separates Burrow from everyone else are his instincts. That brings us to more important questions of how to mitigate this is best for one play style.
“There is risk. No matter what you choose to do, you are going to incur risk,” a seasoned pitcher noted during discussions about quarterback protection and decision-making. From this vantage point, it’s easy to forget what an uphill battle Burrow and his coaches faced. They’re focused intensely on finding the right balance between making aggressive plays and not getting their star quarterback annihilated.
As the Bengals settle into their new approach this season, Taylor sounded hopeful when he discussed how rare the Bengals are feeling these days. “I’ve got confidence in those guys, and we’re going to continue to get their best going forward.” Right now players and coaches are equally as focused on making up for history. Their most strategic moves will be to keep Burrow healthy and more effective.
The road forward continues to be a mystery for Joe Burrow and the Cincy Bengals. As they work through these challenges, their ability to adapt will be crucial in determining their success this season and beyond.
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