What’s going on in Cincinnati?
That’s the question hanging over the Queen City after a rough Sunday showing against the Baltimore Ravens - and the spotlight is squarely on Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offensive line. Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback took a beating, both physically and, perhaps more tellingly, emotionally.
And the body language from his teammates? That’s where things get interesting.
Let’s start with what we saw on the field. Burrow was sacked and took a late hit after releasing the ball - the kind of shot that usually draws some immediate pushback from the offensive line.
But this time? Crickets.
No one stepped in. No one got in a defender’s face.
The reaction from the Bengals’ front five was… well, there wasn’t much of one. And that silence spoke volumes.
Center Ted Karras appeared visibly frustrated as Burrow walked off the field following one of those sacks, seemingly calling the quarterback out. That’s not something you often see from a veteran lineman - especially not in public view. For a team that’s built around its franchise QB, the disconnect was hard to miss.
This all comes on the heels of Burrow’s recent comments in a press conference, where he hinted at a loss of joy in the game - a rare moment of vulnerability from one of the league’s most composed young stars. And now, with the Bengals trailing 17-0 midway through the fourth quarter against a division rival, the frustration is bubbling over.
Burrow’s taken his share of hits since entering the league, both literal and figurative. He’s played through injuries, led playoff runs, and carried the weight of a franchise desperate for a return to relevance. But Sunday’s performance - and more importantly, the lack of visible support from his teammates - raises real questions about where things stand inside that locker room.
Is this just the heat of the moment in a frustrating season? Or is it a sign of deeper tension between the quarterback and the guys tasked with protecting him?
What’s clear is this: something’s off in Cincinnati. And if the Bengals want to salvage anything from this season - or keep their star quarterback invested long-term - they’ll need to get back on the same page, fast.
Because when the hits keep coming and no one steps up, it’s not just about protection anymore. It’s about trust.
And right now, that looks like it’s in short supply.