Are the Bengals Failing Joe Burrow Again? O-Line Woes Could Spell Trouble in 2025

Joe Burrow’s O-Line Struggles: Are the Bengals Doing Enough to Protect Their Star QB?

You’d think by now the Cincinnati Bengals would have cracked the code on keeping Joe Burrow upright. But as we inch closer to the new NFL season, fans and analysts are still throwing side-eyes at the team’s offseason moves—or lack thereof—when it comes to protecting their franchise quarterback.

And let’s be real: If there’s one player on this roster you absolutely don’t want getting hit more than necessary, it’s Joe Burrow.

Let’s Talk Stats—And They’re Not Pretty

Here’s where it gets wild. NFL analyst Warren Sharp recently dropped a stat that’s been making the rounds for all the wrong reasons. He pointed out that the league average "time to throw" sits around 2.7 seconds. Now get this—Joe Burrow got hit by defenders in under 2.5 seconds a staggering 148 times last season. To put that in perspective, no other QB in the league was hit more than 119 times in that same window.

That’s not just a number. That’s a red flag flapping in the wind.

What makes this even crazier is Burrow isn’t exactly a slowpoke. He’s known for having one of the quickest releases in the NFL and some of the best pocket awareness in the game. Yet defenders are still reaching him before most quarterbacks even finish their dropbacks.

So, Who’s to Blame?

Let’s be fair—some of the blame falls on Burrow himself. He’s got that ultra-competitive drive, and he’s not afraid to extend plays to make something out of nothing. That kind of gunslinger mentality makes him a fan favorite but also puts him at greater risk.

But even that doesn’t fully excuse the fact that Cincinnati’s offensive line still looks... mediocre at best. For a team that’s been on the brink of Super Bowl glory, the commitment to really protecting their guy feels a little too casual.

What Did the Bengals Actually Do This Offseason?

Let’s break it down. The Bengals did make some moves—just not the blockbuster ones fans were hoping for.

• Dylan Fairchild, a mid-round rookie, is expected to step into a starting guard role.

• Lucas Patrick, a mid-tier free agent, was signed to shore up the other guard position.

• The team brought in Scott Peters as the new offensive line coach.

Sure, that’s something. But is it enough?

If you’re looking for the kind of moves that make opposing defensive lines lose sleep, this isn’t it. There’s no blue-chip lineman here, no first-round stud, no monster trade that screams, “We’re protecting Burrow at all costs!”

The Development Dilemma

And here’s the elephant in the room—Cincinnati hasn’t exactly been known for developing offensive linemen.

Historically, their best o-line talent has come from outside sources. Just look at Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras—both of whom were groomed elsewhere before joining the Bengals. Relying on mid-round draft picks and average free agents while expecting a different result? That’s the definition of risky business.

Maybe Scott Peters changes the narrative. Maybe he’s the magic ingredient this unit has been missing. But until that happens, it’s tough to be confident.

What’s At Stake?

Let’s not forget what’s really riding on this: Joe Burrow’s health and longevity.

He’s already battled a major knee injury during his rookie season, and the hits haven’t stopped coming. If Cincinnati keeps treating offensive line fixes like patchwork, we could see another season where Burrow’s scrambling for his life and racking up bruises faster than touchdowns.

Here’s what the Bengals are risking:

• Another injury-prone season for their franchise QB

• Stalled offensive rhythm, especially in big games

• Lost opportunities to capitalize on a stacked AFC North

• Declining morale, both in the locker room and among fans

The Bigger Picture

Let’s zoom out for a sec.

The Bengals have come a long way from their “who dey?” punchline days. They’ve become contenders. They’ve shown heart, grit, and flashes of brilliance. But the window to win a Super Bowl doesn’t stay open forever. You’ve got a once-in-a-generation quarterback—now is the time to invest like it.

Teams like the Chiefs and Eagles are proof that elite quarterbacks and solid O-lines go hand in hand. You don’t see Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts constantly eating turf. Why? Because their teams have built fortresses around them. That’s the blueprint. So why are the Bengals still building with Legos?

Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag

If you’ve taken a scroll through Bengals Twitter (or X, or whatever Elon wants us to call it), you know fans are split. Some believe in the youth movement, hyped about Fairchild’s potential and Patrick’s versatility. Others are frustrated and tired of the same old story—Burrow putting the team on his back, only to be let down by subpar protection.

And honestly? Both sides have a point.

What Needs to Happen Now?

For the Bengals to silence the doubters and truly support their star quarterback, a few things must go down:

1. Scott Peters needs to work magic with what he’s got. That means coaching up Fairchild and Patrick fast.

2. In-season moves should be on the table—if a quality lineman becomes available, Cincinnati can’t afford to be passive.

3. Play-calling adjustments that get the ball out even quicker or keep extra blockers in protection schemes could be key.

4. Accountability across the board—from front office decisions to player development.

Bottom Line

The Bengals didn’t totally ignore the offensive line this offseason, but they didn’t exactly swing for the fences either. It’s more of a wait-and-see strategy—and that’s dangerous when your quarterback has already been sacked more times than you can count on both hands and feet.

If Cincinnati wants to make serious noise in the AFC, the formula is simple: Protect Joe Burrow like your Super Bowl hopes depend on it—because they do.