Joe Burrow, the star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is ready to turn the page on a frustrating 2025 season. With a renewed sense of optimism, Burrow believes the team has the pieces in place to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs.
The Bengals' offseason moves have been a key factor in this newfound confidence. They've bolstered their defense with significant acquisitions, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, safety Bryan Cook, and edge rusher Jonathan Allen. These additions have already created a positive ripple effect within the team.
"You can feel the vibe and the leadership has changed in the locker room a little bit," Burrow said. "It's exciting for everyone. B. Cook, in the limited time he's been here, you can feel his presence early. Dexter, too. A lot of guys on the D-Line now. You have Jonathan Allen. Myles [Murphy] is walking around with a little more pep in his step this year. That's exciting to see. I think he grew in confidence from the last five, six games. We need to carry that over, and I'm excited to see that."
The Bengals' schedule also plays to their advantage this season. They have seven consecutive 1 p.m. starts to begin the season, which provides an opportunity for strategic planning and preparation. This unique scheduling quirk allows the team to watch more football, study their opponents, and devise effective game plans.
"That's good," Burrow continued. "When we go on the road, we get back home early and watch more football. It's always beneficial to watch more games. See how teams are playing and what teams are doing. See what defenses are doing. We'll try to get flexed a couple of times into the sweet spot later in the season. Everybody feels like this is going to be an exciting season for us, so now we put in the work over the next several months to put the pieces in place to get to where we want."
Despite the recent struggles, including missing the postseason for a third consecutive season, Burrow remains steadfast in his belief that the Bengals have the talent and leadership to turn things around. With a renewed focus and a strong defensive core, the Bengals are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, and Burrow is eager to lead the charge.
