Ask Cincinnati Bengals fans, the hope is that Joe Burrow uplifts the team no matter what happens on the defensive side of the ball in 2025.
As it turns out, even former NFL head coaches feel the same way.
While running through all 32 teams ahead of training camps, Sports Illustrated’s John Pluym grabbed the money quote:
“I believe Joe can get Cincinnati over the hump regardless of what’s going on on the defensive side. I got a lot of confidence in him. I would not count the Bengals out. If they pick up where they left off, look out. ” —a former head coach
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The Bengals locked in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, finally got some continuity at tight end with Mike Gesicki and hope new offensive line coach Scott Peters fixes things up front.
Meanwhile, the defense will undergo a youth movement coordinated by Al Golden, who will roll out the Geno Stone-Jordan Battle safety combo, hasn’t locked in which corners will play where, will start rookie Demetrius Knight at linebacker and has an All-Pro pass-rusher (Trey Hendrickson) and first-round pass-rusher (Shemar Stewart) possibly holding out into training camp over contract drama.
So yes, it all hinges on Burrow. Last year, an MVP-like season didn’t equate to the playoffs. But somehow, that felt like bad luck. And if nothing else, the defense can’t get worse in 2025…right?
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals have former NFL coach feeling the same way as fans
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
