The Cincinnati Bengals clinched their third consecutive winning season after finishing 9-8.
Bad news: they did not clinch a playoff berth as the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed the final spot at 10-7.
The breaks, especially Joe Burrow’s health, didn’t go their way this season.
After dealing with a calf injury early in the season, he played just ten games in 2023 due to a torn right wrist.
Jake Browning did his best to keep the Bengals in contention but came up short.
The Cincinnati Bengals are not known to be fast starters.
Despite that trend, they’ve found a way to clinch playoff spots in 2021 and 2022. After their 2021 bye, they went 5-3 to win the AFC North.
A year later, they went on an eight-game winning streak after a 4-4 record.
Unfortunately, losing games early in the season backfired for the 2023 Bengals.
While they converted a 1-3 start to a 9-8 finish, they came short of another playoff berth.
Conversely, the Philadelphia Eagles still made the playoffs despite losing five of their last six regular season games.
Going 10-1 gave them a headstart in reaching the postseason, even if they ultimately struggled.
The Cincinnati Bengals have heavily invested in their offensive line, signing the likes of Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and Orlando Brown Jr. However, those additions didn’t translate into better protection for their franchise quarterback.
Burrow absorbed 24 sacks in ten games. Jake Browning wasn’t spared, taking 24 sacks in nine games.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen was sacked only 24 times in 17 games.
Protection miscues allowed Jadeveon Clowney to deliver the hit that ultimately injured Burrow’s throwing wrist.
They might be singing a different tune in Cincinnati if that didn’t happen.
Therefore, protecting Joe Burrow remains the Bengals’ priority.
He can dissect a defense if he gets more time to throw.
