You’ll hear a lot of talk around the NFL this time of year. Players and executives are proud of their offseason work, and optimism abounds even though none of it really matters until the real games arrive after training camp.
The Cincinnati Bengals are no exception when it comes to pumping themselves up before a meaningful snap is taken, particularly after overhauling a defense that struggled throughout 2025.
One thing you can take to the bank with the Bengals is this: They’re in a better place than they were a year ago because of the offensive line.
“I think guys with experience within the system, and then experience playing next to the guy next to them, that just helps you play better,” Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “So, now, as we call on them to execute different facets of the offense, if we’re executing at a higher level, that’s feedback as a coach that encourages you to continue down certain roads, right? So it’s only gonna help us, especially at that position, more than any in the league.
“That’s a − their success is dependent on the guys next to them. They function as a unit, and so, yeah, we’re happy with where we’re at there.”
The offensive line Joe Burrow finished the 2025-26 season with was widely praised as the best the front office had assembled for Burrow. In re-signing Dalton Risner, that group was kept intact; and barring preseason injuries, the unit should benefit from nearly a full year of experience together.
In 2025, just as in past seasons, the offensive line was an area of concern because Burrow needs to be upright in order for the high-octane Cincinnati offense to function as intended. And not only was Burrow not always upright behind his Cincinnati linemen, he would sometimes suffer injuries.
Scrambling and under pressure during a Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Burrow sustained an injury again in 2025. It was a turf toe ailment that required surgery in mid-September 2025.
But by the time Burrow returned from injury on Thanksgiving Night, the offensive line had coalesced. Risner, signed late in training camp, had grown into his role. A starting group that includes veteran tackle Orlando Brown Jr., center Ted Karras, second-year tackle Amarius Mims, rookie guard Dylan Fairchild and Risner formed a formidable Bengals front.
Now, the hope is the group can take steps forward after banking almost a full year together.
“There’s a lot of experience there from the communication standpoint and that’s something that sometimes early in seasons gets you with some pressure and some sacks, is the overall communication because you’ve got a revolving door at a position or you’ve got new guys at a position,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “Now, that excuse does not exist for us. These guys have been together. They know what it looks like. I’m excited to see these guys play together. They finished the year really strong. Sometimes, nationally, there’s a really lazy narrative that our offensive line isn’t good because they look at years ago and some issues we had and that has not been the case for us. Guys have performed as well as any unit in the league.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Bengals’ offensive line is finally a strength. Here’s why
Reporting by Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
