The Cincinnati Bengals came into 2025 with the kind of expectations you only get when you’ve got a franchise quarterback like Joe Burrow under center. But a season that started with promise quickly veered off course when Burrow went down early with a toe injury-an issue that derailed the offense and contributed to the team’s current 5-10 record. Still, since returning in late November, Burrow has looked every bit like the player who once led Cincinnati to back-to-back deep playoff runs.
Take Sunday’s 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins, for example. Not only did the Bengals dominate on the road, but Burrow also crossed the 20,000-yard passing mark for his career-a notable milestone for any quarterback, let alone one who missed significant time due to injury. But in classic Burrow fashion, he wasn’t exactly popping champagne over it.
“I missed a full season of games too, so it should have been more,” Burrow told ESPN’s Ben Baby after the game.
That kind of mindset tells you everything you need to know about Burrow-he’s wired to win, not to count stats. And while the Bengals are just 2-2 since his return, including a second loss to Baltimore and another to Buffalo, there’s no denying that No. 9 has brought stability and firepower back to the offense.
Now, the Bengals close out the season with back-to-back home games against the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns. Neither game carries playoff implications, but both are crucial for a team trying to build momentum heading into what will be a pivotal offseason. After missing the postseason for a third straight year, the franchise knows it can’t afford to waste another year of Burrow’s prime.
That brings us to the bigger picture in Cincinnati-what comes next?
Zac Taylor is wrapping up his seventh season as head coach, and while he helped guide the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and another AFC title game earlier in his tenure, the recent lack of postseason success has raised fair questions about the direction of the coaching staff. Changes could be on the horizon.
One area that’s been a glaring issue? Defense.
After parting ways with longtime coordinator Lou Anarumo and bringing in Al Golden, the unit has regressed significantly. The Bengals have struggled to stop just about anyone this season, and that’s made it tough for Burrow and the offense to keep pace, no matter how sharp he’s looked since coming back.
And then there’s the offensive line-still a sore spot, still inconsistent, and still not giving Burrow the kind of protection a franchise quarterback deserves. It’s been a recurring theme throughout his career, and if Cincinnati wants to get serious about contending again, that has to be a priority this offseason.
This is one of the NFL’s more budget-conscious franchises, but the time for half-measures may be over. Burrow is healthy again, and he’s shown he can still be the guy to lead this team deep into January.
But he can’t do it alone. Whether it’s through coaching changes, free agency, or the draft, the Bengals have some serious work to do this offseason if they want to turn this recent slide into a temporary detour rather than a long-term trend.
The next two weeks won’t change the standings, but they could offer a glimpse into the mindset of this team heading into 2026. With Burrow back in rhythm and the front office facing some tough decisions, the Bengals are at a crossroads.
The talent is still there. The window isn’t closed.
But the clock is ticking.