Bengals Seek to Regain AFC Dominance
After two consecutive seasons without reaching the postseason, the Cincinnati Bengals are focused on returning to the form that led them to win the division and the championship in 2021 and 2022. However, the team’s recent performance seems to have affected the overall perception.In the past season, Burrow played all the games for the first time, but Cincinnati failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with a 9-8 record. A set of factors prevented the team from achieving success, despite the outstanding performances of Burrow, receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Safety Tycen Anderson also acknowledges the change in external perception.I certainly believe the narrative surrounding our team has changed. We’re trying to go out and win as much as we can. We’re working hard to achieve that.
Joe Burrow, Bengals Quarterback
Cincinnati will start the season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Since 2019, the Bengals have only won one game in the first two weeks of the season, the worst winning percentage in the NFL during that period. Coach Zac Taylor was asked about how to handle external expectations, especially with a quarterback like Burrow. In 2021, Cincinnati reached the Super Bowl, losing to the Los Angeles Rams. In 2022, the team reached the AFC final again, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.Honestly, we perceive it a little bit. Obviously, we know last season was disappointing, but we don’t care what others say. We know we have the players here who will do the job.
Tycen Anderson, Bengals Safety
Having Burrow in top form from the start of the season is something new for Cincinnati since his rookie year in 2020. Burrow feels good physically and is eager to prove the Bengals can exceed expectations.What we expect of ourselves is to be the best and to be at the top in the end. There is nothing external that anyone can say or think that is different from the pressure we put on ourselves.
Zac Taylor, Bengals Coach
Showing everyone the work we have done over the last eight months to improve in front of the world, that’s what sport is all about. That’s why we love them. And I’m excited to put on a show.
Joe Burrow, Bengals Quarterback
