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This is widely understood that building an actual professional football roster is not the same as assembling your fantasy squad. Simply loading up on high-profile weapons won’t cut it to hope for contention for a Super Bowl. Winning teams must zero in regarding bench strength, coaching compatibility, player synergy, and bolstering even the underrated roles.

But the Cincinnati Bengals have repeatedly overlooked that approach, and yet again they are paying a heavy toll—now in the form of a significant setback suffered by franchise quarterback Burrow. During the close win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Burrow sustained a turf toe injury while taken down by defensive lineman Armstead. Reports suggest he may miss for three months, marking yet another instance in six seasons where his subpar offensive line played a part in a shortened campaign for their signal-caller.

An Ongoing Pattern Regarding Inadequate Pass Blocking

Most NFL franchises prioritize pass protection over all else, particularly if you have a talent like Burrow. Those that neglect this area frequently suffer through ineffective QB play and eventual health issues. Last season, Cincinnati had among the worst offensive lines in the league, and did very little in the off-season to address their weaknesses.

While the team signed guards Lucas Patrick and Risner in free agency, both has provided a significant impact. Patrick scarcely seen the field, while the latter has already yielded a sack and multiple total pressures over seventy-five blocking attempts. First-year guard Fairchild, selected with pick 81, similarly had issues in protection.

At both tackle positions, Brown and Mims return as starting roles. The left tackle, earning top-five money, throughout his career proven more of a liability rather than a rock. Mims, who was a high draft selection, is still adjusting while gaining experience. At center, Ted Karras rates as little more than an average starter.

Why This Harms Joe Burrow Specifically

While he ranks as one of the most elite pocket manipulators across the NFL currently, he is not exceptionally athletic outside protection. He relies significantly upon reliable protection to excel effectively. It’s remarkable how he has managed so well despite inconsistent help by the men up front.

Coach Zac Taylor has attempted to compensate by calling an extremely large volume of short passes—exceeding any other club across the league. During last season, he topped the league with passes released within 2.5 seconds. That strategy aims to release the ball out prior to pressure gets home.

However, relying solely on a short-passing attack limits the playbook and producing an extremely slim margin for error. If it doesn’t come out quickly, Burrow is often sacked. And, given 3 of the squad’s largest cap hits going to Burrow and wideouts Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s reasonable to wonder: how valuable are elite targets if the offense must execute a reduced playbook?

Zac Taylor’s Response and the

After the incident, the coach stated that “this is unfortunate this happened, but that’s a part of the game.” Taylor noted how his QB “could have been untouched almost all the time, and a single snap is where the injury occurred.”

That statement is disingenuous to say the least. The quarterback was rarely “clean” during that contest—or at any point in his career in Cincinnati. Versus the Jaguars, Burrow was under duress on multiple occasions before the exit. In fact, over the last four passing attempts, Burrow got taken down, hit, or pressured on every play.

Concerning Precedent

The pattern bears reminiscent to the way unfolded with ex- Colts quarterback Luck. Luck stood as a generational prospect but whose career ended prematurely due to health problems largely caused by inadequate O-line play. Luck unexpectedly retired in 2019 after years enduring punishing punishment.

Noted commentators have pointed out, similarities linking the former Colt with the Bengal through six seasons are concerning. This doesn’t mean the current star is ready to walk away imminently, however it must serve as a serious warning to the Bengals: absent adequate protection, no matter the best skill players cannot save your campaign.

What’s Next for Cincinnati?

With Burrow sidelined, reserve Jake Browning will step in. While Browning played respectably during a stint in 2023, he had 3 interceptions against Jacksonville before finding down. And, Browning is unlikely to handle duress than Burrow.

It’s important to remember that even when the QB1 was available and playing at his best, the Bengals often lost contests due to a suspect defense. In the previous season, Cincinnati put up 30-plus points in 8 outings but fell short four those games.

Another disappointing season ought to serve as a final reality check for this organization. However, based on their track record, fans have little reason for hopeful that meaningful improvement will follow.