The Cincinnati Bengals surprised fans in 2021 by not only entering the postseason, but advancing all the way to the Super Bowl. This achievement was especially notable for an Ohio-based NFL team. However, despite appearing to be a budding dynasty, they have not returned to the Super Bowl and have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
This offseason, the Bengals bolstered their defense and strengthened the offensive line with the aim of better supporting Joe Burrow. Burrow has expressed confidence in the team’s potential, declaring that the 2026 roster is the best he has been part of. He consistently refers to the team as Super Bowl-caliber.
In a conversation with Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, Burrow shared his perspective on setting high goals for the franchise. He commented, I’ve never understood why people are scared to say it. I guess people fear media portrayal of their team. But you have to set expectations with yourself, your teammates, your organization. Everyone talks about winning the Super Bowl; you set that expectation daily and work toward it daily. I don’t know the answer for others, but that’s what I want, what I’m trying to do; that’s why I do this.
Referring to his college championship, Burrow explained that achieving such a victory is a feeling like no other. He emphasized the importance of discussing and striving for such goals.
Burrow’s career has seen success at every level, from Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio, to his college days at Ohio State and LSU, and now in Cincinnati. His 2019 Heisman-winning season with LSU remains one of the most impressive in college football history. The Bengals’ Super Bowl journey occurred during his second NFL year. Since then, Burrow has made three Pro Bowls, earned two Comeback Player of the Year awards, and continues as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Approaching his seventh year in the league and nearing his 30th birthday, Burrow is eager to see the organization meet the ambitious expectations for a championship. He openly acknowledges the high stakes and the championship-or-bust mentality driving the team.