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025 has not turned out the way that the Cincinnati Bengals hoped it would. Entering the season with high expectations, a strong 2-0 start was quickly erased by a four game losing streak that started after quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury. But despite Burrow returning around Thanksgiving, the Bengals have been unable to right the ship, going 3-2 since his return but not doing enough to make the playoffs.
Eliminated from playoff contention despite being on a two-game winning streak, Burrow and the Bengals have missed the postseason for the third straight year, and the third time in the four years since earning a trip to the Super Bowl back in 2021. The urgency to win is as high as it’s ever been in Cincinnati, leading Burrow to make blunt comments regarding the direction of the team.
‘Something Needs to Change’
Burrow has played elite level football over the last few seasons, but the Bengals have not been able to capitalize on his performances, with the defensive struggles a major reason for the team’s inability to make the playoffs. One of the worst defenses in football last season, the Bengals will also end the ’25 campaign near the bottom of the league in several categories. Still, Burrow wants the Bengals to be in a position to win next season and beyond, regardless of where the problems lie.
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow said on Dec. 31. “Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”
This is the second time that Burrow has made comments about things needing to change. Earlier in December, Burrow met with the media and made it clear that what the team has done over the last couple of seasons has not worked very well.
“What we’ve been doing hasn’t worked the last couple of years,” Burrow said. “We have to think outside the box and get creative about where we go from here.”
Burrow’s Impact on the Bengals
Despite all the issues plaguing the Bengals, they have still managed to win five out of Burrow’s seven starts this season, a testament to not only how good Burrow is, but how much of what the Bengals do is centered around Burrow. The tough season has led to the Bengals’ fanbase growing impatient with the current regime, particularly head coach Zac Taylor, but Burrow has made sure to stay supportive of Taylor through it all.
Burrow has proven himself among the elite in the NFL and no matter how bad the Bengals struggle in other areas, as long as they have Burrow as their quarterback, they will always be contenders.
“This year, I’ve played however many games and we’ve won more than we’ve lost,” Burrow said. “And I feel good about that. All I can do is go out and when I’m out on the field, try to play well, try to win and go from there.”
Joe Burrow Makes Grim Comments on Bengals Lost Season