Bengals’ Playoff Hopes Hinge on Joe Burrow-and the Line That’s Finally Protecting Him
The Cincinnati Bengals are still breathing in the AFC playoff race, and the biggest reason why might not be Joe Burrow’s arm-it’s the offensive line keeping him upright.
Since Burrow returned from injury, Cincinnati’s pass protection has quietly become one of the best in the league. In fact, no team has done a better job of protecting its quarterback since Week 13.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Bengals boast a league-leading 93.1 team pass-blocking grade over that stretch. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
And it’s a massive shift from earlier in the season when pressure was a constant issue.
This surge in protection has allowed Burrow to get back to what he does best: distribute the ball with surgical precision and command the offense with poise. When he has time, he’s one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football. We’ve seen it before-this is a guy who’s taken the Bengals to a Super Bowl and played at an MVP level when healthy.
But health has been the story of Burrow’s career so far, for better or worse. He’s now missed significant time in three of his six NFL seasons: a torn ACL as a rookie, a wrist injury in 2023, and now a turf toe issue this season.
When he’s on the field, the Bengals are contenders. When he’s not, the wheels tend to fall off.
Case in point: they’ve managed just one win without him this year.
That’s why the recent improvement up front matters so much. The offensive line isn’t just giving Burrow time-they’re giving the Bengals hope. And with the playoff picture still technically open, that’s all they can ask for right now.
DJ Turner II Learning the Ropes-On and Off the Field
Second-year corner DJ Turner II is growing into his role, and he credits a veteran presence for showing him how to be a pro-not just on Sundays, but throughout the week.
“That was the biggest thing he was teaching me,” Turner said. “He helped me on the field, but it was off the field he probably helped me the most.
How to prepare your body for the game. He helped with me getting a routine.
The stuff to look at, the stuff not to look at. Throw this out.
Keep that. Showed me how to be a pro.”
That kind of mentorship is invaluable, especially for a young player trying to find consistency. The Bengals have leaned on youth in the secondary, and Turner’s development could be key down the stretch.
Shemar Stewart Returns to Practice, Reflects on Frustrating Season
Defensive lineman Shemar Stewart returned to practice this week for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the November 2 loss to the Bears. While he’s optimistic about finishing the season strong, there’s no hiding the disappointment.
“I don’t feel like I did anything spectacular this year,” Stewart said. “Kind of a bummer because I had high hopes for this year. But it’s all in God’s plan.”
Injuries have derailed what was supposed to be a breakout campaign, but with a few games left, Stewart still has a chance to make an impact-and show flashes of the player the Bengals hoped he’d be.
Bengals-Cardinals Shifted to Week 17
The NFL announced several late-season schedule changes, and one of them involves the Bengals. They’ll now face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. Cincinnati holds a 7-6 all-time edge in the series, and this will be the Cardinals’ first trip to Cincinnati since 2019.
Arizona is already out of playoff contention, but the Bengals are still technically alive-though just barely. Every game is must-win from here on out, and with Burrow back and the offensive line surging, they’re not going down without a fight.
Bottom line: the Bengals’ margin for error is razor-thin, but with their franchise quarterback finally protected and back under center, they’ve got a puncher’s chance. And in December, that’s more than a lot of teams can say.