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Bengals: Can Cincinnati Finally Get Over Super Bowl Hump?

By Hunter Haas

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks off the field at the conclusion of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won, 23-20.Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Afc Championship Jan 29 0212
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks off the field at the conclusion of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won, 23-20.Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Afc Championship Jan 29 0212 /
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Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras and Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown were guests for a live recording of The Enquirer’s Bengals Beat Podcast at the Holy Grail at The Banks Friday, May 19, 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras and Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown were guests for a live recording of The Enquirer’s Bengals Beat Podcast at the Holy Grail at The Banks Friday, May 19, 2023. /

No. 2: The Offensive Line Should Be Better

The offensive line signed Orlando Brown Jr. this offseason, a move that had a slew of ramifications in the fallout. First, the Bengals sniped Brown Jr. away from the rival Chiefs. Next, the gargantuan tackle is slated to start at left tackle, which pushes former blindside starter Jonah Williams to the right side.

Williams was initially upset by this acquisition and position change, but word out of Cincinnati says he will not be traded this offseason. Assuming the two sides mend fences, at least for the 2023 season, it gives Burrow an impressive bookend of tackles to operate behind.

Furthermore, Cordell Volson will be even better in Year 2 as he settles into the guard position full-time. Veterans Ted Karras and Alex Cappa provide more leadership and stability along the line — assuming the injury bug doesn’t rear its ugly head during the season.

It is a night and day difference looking at the 2023 starting lineup in comparison to the 2020 lineup. A clean quarterback is a happy quarterback; Burrow shouldn’t have many stains on his all-white jerseys this year.

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