Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow gave his opinion on why the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are able to have sustained success in the NFL.
In an article from GQ, Burrow said that sustainable success comes from teams that have good offensive lines as well as good pass rushers.
“I think the teams that have sustained runs are built on the offensive and defensive lines. That’s how you get the most sustainable success, I believe. Two great quarterbacks who are playing really well right now, two really good defenses, pass rushers. They’re just two complete teams that seem to add a new piece or something different every year. That’s a credit to their teams.”
The Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow have seen success despite their offensive line
The Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow made it to the Super Bowl in 2021 despite one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Poor offensive line play resulted in the first season-ending injury of Joe Burrow’s career as well. His knee was torn up as a result of a defender making his way to the backfield on Joe Burrow’s blindside.
When they went to the Super Bowl in 2021, the Bengals allowed 55 sacks. That number was good for the third-most sacks given up in the NFL. One of those crucial sacks cost the Bengals the Super Bowl. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was wide open streaking toward the end zone, but Burrow could not get him the ball due to a sack from Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
On the final play of the game, Ja’Marr Chase had Jalen Ramsey beat leaving him wide open for the Super Bowl winning TD. If Aaron Donald didn’t sack Joe Burrow this game would’ve been a wrap. pic.twitter.com/ZtArYibxLr
— Playmaker Betting (@playmakerbet) February 14, 2022
A large part of the reason the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow were unable to advance to the Super Bowl in 2022 was because of poor pass protection. Kansas City Chiefs interior defensive lineman Chris Jones left a huge mark on the AFC Championship Game.
The Chiefs don’t win SB LVII without Chris Jones because they don’t GET to SB LVII without Chris Jones.
He was the best player in the AFCC vs the Bengals and made the play of the game that kept the Bengals from driving down and scoring with less than a minute remaining. pic.twitter.com/TMBuWQtDQA
— 🗣🎙‼️ (@LanceTHESPOKEN) August 23, 2023
Although the Bengals were without Joe Burrow for the latter portion of the season, sacks once again killed their hopes of being a playoff team. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs after giving up five sacks in the last six minutes of the game.
5 sacks by the Chiefs in the last 6 minutes of the game to shut the door on the Bengals season was incredible. This defense is ELITE! 🔥pic.twitter.com/ZtikMj6ILL
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) January 2, 2024
Every year since 2021, the Bengals front office has made moves in the offseason to beef up the offensive line. Every year, new offensive line players have regressed upon playing for the Bengals.
The Bengals’ offseason splash acquisition on the offensive line was tackle Orlando Brown. In his first year with the Bengals, Brown had his worst year in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. His 66.1 grade for the 2023 season was lower than his rookie year.
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow recognizes the importance of elite pass rushers
Although Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was a bright spot for the Bengals’ pass rush, there was still a lack of solid pressure from the Bengals defensive front in 2023.
Hendrickson finished second in the league with 17.5 sacks, but when he wasn’t getting pressure the pass rush of the Bengals stagnated. Sam Hubbard had the second-most sacks on the Bengals defense and he was tied for 65th in the league with just six sacks on the season.
Many Bengals fans are calling for the addition of Kansas City Chiefs interior defensive lineman Chris Jones, who is due for a new contract.
If Bengals were to sign Chris Jones it would be enough to make a grown man cry, just saying🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/y21TVqGahk
— Chaston Scott (@CinCity808) February 12, 2024
If the bengals want to win a Super Bowl they need a Chris jones
— Heung Min Brad (@TracyMcBradey) February 12, 2024
Chris Jones destroying a game winning TD play.
Aaron Donald destroying a game winning TD play
Go get yourself an interior pass rusher @Bengals
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) February 12, 2024
His impact on Super Bowl 58 potentially saved the game for the Chiefs. Had Jones not gotten pressure on San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy deep in Chiefs’ territory, Purdy may have hit wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for a wide-open touchdown.
Chris Jones unblocked with Aiyuk wide open pic.twitter.com/tEL1YChAEz
— Guy Haberman (@GuyHaberman) February 12, 2024
While the addition of another game-breaking defensive lineman may not directly protect Joe Burrow from enduring more season-ending injuries, it would go a long way toward ensuring that the Bengals are able to stop opposing teams in big games.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.
1 Comment
Great job