The Cincinnati Bengals just wasted three of the best seasons in recent memory.
Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks, Joe Burrow posted MVP-caliber numbers, and Ja’Marr Chase won the receivers’ triple crown.
Once again, their slow start to the season doomed them when it mattered the most.
That’s why their star quarterback knows they must be better going forward.
Talking to Stephen A. Smith for ESPN’s “First Take,” the former No. 1 pick admitted that the team needed to do a better job to prepare for the season and get off to a faster start.
Joe Burrow addresses the Bengals slow starts and the importance of their WRs ?
"We have the space we need to keep both [Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins]." pic.twitter.com/2cSy0YUfts
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 6, 2025
That has been a worrisome trend under Zac Taylor’s guidance.
The Bengals had little to no margin for error, and while they still managed to pull off some heroics and beat great teams, there’s no need to be constantly treading water and digging themselves out of big holes.
This team has proven that they can beat anybody when they’re at their best.
Even with one of the worst defenses in recent NFL history, the offense was good enough to win multiple games down the stretch, and they had a chance to make the playoffs until the final week of the season.
Burrow also talked about how crucial it was for him that the team doesn’t let Tee Higgins go.
He believes they have enough cap space to keep him and still sign Ja’Marr Chase to a big contract extension, and he’s been very vocal about this.
Still, perhaps the team will look to spend more money on the other side of the field.
NEXT: Ja'Marr Chase Speaks Out About His Contract Situation
