Bengals Notes: Burrow’s Back, Battle Breaks Out, and One Major Pro Bowl Snub
The Cincinnati Bengals are finishing the season with a mix of momentum, frustration, and a bit of déjà vu. Let’s break down what’s happening in the Queen City as the regular season winds down - from Joe Burrow rediscovering his groove, to standout performances on defense, to a Pro Bowl snub that has Bengals fans shaking their heads.
Burrow’s Bounce-Back: “Having Fun” Again
It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Joe Burrow, but Week 16 felt like a return to form. The Bengals’ franchise quarterback looked comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, like he was enjoying himself again. Burrow led Cincinnati to a commanding 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, slinging the ball with the kind of poise and precision that made him one of the league’s most feared passers.
The offense clicked from the opening whistle, and Burrow was at the center of it all - orchestrating drives, spreading the ball around, and keeping the Dolphins defense off balance. It was a reminder of what this Bengals offense looks like when everything is humming - and what it could still become heading into 2026.
Jordan Battle Making His Presence Felt
While the offense was lighting it up, safety Jordan Battle was quietly putting together one of the most complete performances of his young career. The third-year defender led the team with 10 tackles - five of them coming on special teams - and added a momentum-shifting forced fumble early in the third quarter. That turnover set the table for a Bengals touchdown just six plays later.
It was the fourth time this season Battle has hit double-digit tackles, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most reliable players on the Bengals’ defense. His versatility and physicality - particularly on special teams - are giving Cincinnati a much-needed edge in all three phases of the game.
Secondary Shuffle Starting to Pay Off
Cincinnati has been tweaking its secondary late in the season, and while change isn’t always easy, it’s starting to yield results. The Bengals have leaned into some new combinations on the back end, mixing experience with youth, and the coverage has looked tighter in recent weeks. With the defense getting stops and creating turnovers - like Battle’s forced fumble - this unit is starting to show signs of growth at just the right time.
Pro Bowl Snub Raises Eyebrows - Again
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Pro Bowl snub. While Ja’Marr Chase earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod - and deservedly so - one key Bengals player was left off the initial roster. It’s the kind of omission that’s hard to justify, especially considering the impact that player has had this season.
The Bengals did land three alternates for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, but the absence of this standout from the main roster feels all too familiar. It echoes a similar situation from a few years ago, when another Bengals star was overlooked despite an elite-level season. These kinds of snubs tend to stick with players - and fanbases - especially when the production clearly warrants recognition.
A Former Bengal Heads North
In a bit of trivia that could resurface in a few years, a former Bengals quarterback was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings. It’s one of those late-December moves that might not make headlines now but could end up being a footnote in future conversations about quarterback depth and development.
Around the League: Playoff Picture, Pro Bowl Debates, and a Costly Suspension
Across the NFL, Week 16 brought clarity to the playoff picture. In the NFC, teams like the Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Rams, and 49ers have locked in their postseason spots. Meanwhile, the Pro Bowl roster reveal sparked the usual round of debates - who got snubbed, who made it on reputation, and who might still sneak in as an alternate.
One of the more dramatic developments came out of Detroit, where DK Metcalf’s altercation with a fan led to a suspension that will cost him over $555,000 in salary - and potentially void $45 million in contract guarantees. That’s not just a short-term hit; it could reshape the financial outlook for both Metcalf and the Steelers moving forward.
And in the college ranks, Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after one season with the Seminoles. He’s the latest name to watch in what’s shaping up to be a deep and intriguing quarterback class.
Looking Ahead
For the Bengals, the final stretch of the season is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about building momentum, evaluating talent, and setting the tone for 2026. Burrow is back to looking like himself, the defense is showing signs of life, and guys like Jordan Battle are making the most of their opportunities.
But that Pro Bowl snub? Don’t be surprised if it becomes bulletin board material - the kind that fuels a big offseason and an even bigger return next year.