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Ben Baby
CINCINNATI — In the past few seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals were regarded as contenders for the AFC title. However, this may no longer hold true as they approach the 2025 season.
After two straight seasons absent from the playoffs, the Bengals are aiming to return to the winning form they showcased in 2021 and 2022. The recent lack of success seems to have impacted how the team is perceived.
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«I definitely believe that the storyline around our squad has changed,» quarterback Joe Burrow stated on Wednesday. «I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it as having the most to prove. We’re just focused on winning as much as possible. We are putting in significant effort towards that.»
Last season was notable for Burrow as it marked the first instance he participated in every game, yet Cincinnati did not qualify for the playoffs. The Bengals recorded a 9-8 record and found themselves eliminated from playoff eligibility in the final week of the regular season.
Exceptional performances from Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson went to waste as various factors contributed to Cincinnati’s missed playoff opportunity.
The change in outside perception has not escaped veteran safety Tycen Anderson’s notice.
«Honestly, we feel a bit of it,» Anderson expressed to ESPN following Wednesday’s practice. «Obviously, we recognize that last season was disappointing for us, but we aren’t overly concerned with what people are saying. We are confident in the team we have here to accomplish our goals.»
The Bengals kick off the season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Since 2019, Cincinnati has only managed one victory in the first two weeks, marking the lowest winning percentage in the NFL during that period.
Prior to Wednesday’s practice, coach Zac Taylor was queried about how to handle the growing expectations from outside, especially for a team that boasts a quarterback like Burrow.
In 2021, during Burrow’s second year in the league, Cincinnati fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl. The Bengals followed this with another appearance in the AFC Championship Game in 2022, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch.
This success, juxtaposed with the absence of playoff appearances over the last two years, provides context for Cincinnati’s forthcoming season.
«Our expectations are to be the best and to reach the pinnacle at the end,» Taylor remarked. «Thus, there’s nothing external that can be said or thought that equals the pressure we impose on ourselves.»
Starting the season with Burrow fully healthy will be a first for Cincinnati since his rookie season in 2020, which was marred by no preseason games and strict COVID-19 measures.
From a health perspective, he feels well-prepared as he heads into his sixth NFL season. He is eager to demonstrate that the Bengals can exceed what others expect of them.
«Demonstrating the effort you’ve put in over the last eight months to enhance yourself before everyone, that’s the essence of sports,» Burrow stated. «That’s what makes them so appealing. I’m thrilled to put on a show.»
