It’s funny how when something goes wrong, whether it’s with your favorite sports team or in everyday life, you complain about it endlessly. Then when it’s remedied, you don’t look anymore, maybe you didn’t even acknowledge that it’s not only remedied but also working really well. The Bengals’ offensive line fits that exact description.
For years, Bengals fans have complained about the team’s offensive line. Sometimes unfair, but the criticism was more often than not for the first six years of Joe Burrow’s career. But over the past four years, the Bengals have quietly built what is now one of the NFL’s best offensive lines.
In six games, the Bengals have allowed just 10 sacks. And it’s the heart of their success this season: Five of those sacks came in Week 2 against Houston. That means, in the other five games, Joe Burrow has only been sacked an average of once per game. Once per game. that’s all.
It’s been four years since the Bengals were in the Playoffs. The last time they played in a playoff game was in the AFC Championship Game in January of 2023. They did so with three backup offensive linemen competing that night at Arrowhead Stadium. That night, the Bengals gained zero yards in the first quarter, and Joe Burrow was sacked on the Bengals’ last offensive play.
Less than two months later, the Bengals went big and signed the best left tackle in free agency in Orlando Brown Jr.. Brown has signed multiple contract extensions with the Bengals since then. After Week 2, there was concern about him, and rightfully so. He had a rough preseason and training camp.
But since Week 2 against Houston, have you noticed him? It is worth keeping your stock in him.
With the 18th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bengals drafted Amarius Mims from Georgia. There has been concern over his limited playing time in college, but that’s not all the talk right now about the Bengals’ franchise right tackle. He’s like the second coming of Willie Anderson.
Watch the play where Burrow gets into the pocket and finds Tee Higgins for a 44-yard gain on Sunday. At the start of the play, Mims sacked Ravens edge rusher Mike Green completely on the play. It’s wonderful.
How does the Bengals’ offensive line fare? Ted Karras is the only starter from the Bengals’ offensive line from the 2022 AFC Championship who is still with the team. He is as solid as they come and a true leader on this team. Dylan Fairchild was overlooked at left guard.
Yes, he’s had some key holding penalties this season, but he’s playing well in his second season. He looks like a home run being drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2025 Draft. Dalton Risner signed with the Bengals in August, just one week before the season started. He is incredibly good in pass blocking and running games. Since becoming the full-time starter at right guard midway through last season, the Bengals’ offense has become more fluid up front.
In the second half Sunday, Joe Burrow had a clean pocket every time he dropped back to pass. When was the last time you saw the Bengals control the line of scrimmage like that, especially in a division game?
The Bengals finally have a great offensive line in front of Joe Burrow. They deserve their credit, even if they like to go through life anonymously. Fans have complained about the Bengals’ offensive line for years and, more often than not, rightfully so. But now, fans aren’t talking about the Bengals’ offensive line even though they deserve a lot of credit. That’s a good thing. Still, though, the Bengals offensive line is playing great football heading into November.