Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his team faced a painful exit from postseason contention, marking their third consecutive year of being eliminated in disappointing fashion, following a 24-0 shutout against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium on December 14, 2025. This defeat left many surprised, as just a few seasons prior, the Bengals were considered formidable AFC contenders with Burrow leading the charge.
The past three seasons have seen Burrow miss the playoffs since the Bengals’ AFC championship run, and recent media attention has prompted speculation regarding his long-term future in Cincinnati. In a press conference after the Week 14 loss, Burrow sought to clarify his earlier comments about finding joy in football, asserting that they were not directed at his experience in Cincinnati but rather at his personal mindset regarding the game.
“The comments had everything to do with me and my mindset, and football,” Burrow emphasized. He expressed deep regret over the team’s failure to score any points during the game, admitting that his performance fell short of the standards he sets for himself. He completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards but also threw two critical interceptions, including a pick-six, marking a troubling trend in his recent performance.
The Bengals’ season has raised questions about potential internal changes, especially as three consecutive years without reaching the playoffs typically leads to shifts within an NFL organization. Burrow displayed his support for head coach Zac Taylor and the team’s management, stating, “A lot of confidence … because I know how hard people work at it, and we have the right people.” However, he acknowledged the need for improved performance, particularly noting the struggles of both himself and the entire defensive unit.
Currently, the Bengals boast one of the league’s worst defenses, allowing 31.2 points and 403.8 yards per game, along with a dismal rush defense. The organization had attempted to address these issues by parting ways with former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, yet the problems have proven to be more extensive than just coaching changes. Since 2022, Cincinnati has drafted 17 defensive players, but only a few have lived up to expectations, leaving the team with critical gaps in talent and development on that side of the ball.
While the Bengals have heavily invested in their offensive lineup with stars like Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, their strategy has not translated into consistent success on the field. To uphold their promise and potential, Cincinnati must enhance their roster around these key players, as demonstrated by other successful NFL teams that have effectively built their defenses through the draft.
“It’s frustrating,” Taylor remarked, reflecting the sentiment throughout the organization. “This is a team I thought was a talented team that was going to have a chance to do big things this year.” Moving forward, the Bengals will need to reassess their approach to foster a more balanced and competitive team for future seasons.