Why the Cincinnati Bengals’ Offensive Line Struggles Could Be Their Biggest Hurdle in 2025
If you’re a Bengals fan, you already know the drill: the offensive line has been a sore spot for the team for quite some time now. And as training camp rolls on, it’s becoming painfully clear that this unit is still trying to find its footing. Despite some bright spots on the roster, the line’s performance is drawing criticism, and the latest evaluation from ESPN only confirms what many have feared.
Bengals Ranked 15th Overall but Offensive Line Takes a Hit
ESPN recently dropped its annual future power rankings, and the Cincinnati Bengals came in at 15th overall with a score of 79.1. On the surface, that seems like a respectable spot in a league with 32 teams. But dig deeper and you’ll see that the glowing reviews stop when it comes to the offensive line.
Louis Riddick, a well-respected analyst, didn't hold back in his critique of the Bengals’ O-line. Here’s what he said:
“I have written about the offensive line for the past two seasons, and I'm going to write about it again. Nothing has changed with this unit regarding its mediocre play. As a unit, it finished 32nd in pass block win rate (50.1%) and 30th in run block win rate (68.2%). The Bengals are spending $86.5 million in 2025 on the WR room, $20 million more than the next closest team, but it won't mean anything if they can't get this OL situation figured out.”
That’s a harsh reality check. The Bengals are putting a ton of money and trust into their wide receivers—and rightfully so with Joe Burrow leading the charge—but without a sturdy offensive line, all those weapons won’t reach their full potential.
A Look Back: Offensive Line Troubles Aren’t New
This isn’t some new issue popping up overnight. The Bengals’ offensive line woes have been an ongoing saga for several years, stretching back to the days when Andrew Whitworth anchored the group. Whitworth was a rock and arguably the best offensive lineman the Bengals had in a generation, but since his retirement, the trenches have been a mess.
Inconsistent play, injuries, and a revolving door of starters have made it hard for the unit to gel and dominate. And as every football fan knows, success starts up front. If you can't protect your quarterback or open lanes for your running backs, everything else—no matter how flashy or talented—starts to fall apart.
Betting Big on New Faces and New Coaching
Despite the setbacks, Bengals management is hopeful that this year will be different. They’re banking on a few key developments that could turn the tide.
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Amarius Mims at Right Tackle: This young player has shown promise in flashes, but health and consistency are huge question marks. If Mims can stay on the field and develop into a reliable starter, it could be a game-changer.
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Rookie Dylan Fairchild: Drafted with the hope that he can step in immediately, Fairchild is seen as a potential answer at one of the guard positions. It’s a big ask for any rookie, but the Bengals are willing to roll the dice here.
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Lucas Patrick’s Arrival: Bringing in Patrick is a clear attempt to upgrade the interior line. His experience and steadiness might provide the unit with some much-needed stability.
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New Coaching Staff: Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes and new coaching philosophies can unlock potential that was previously untapped. The Bengals are banking on that as well.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Offensive lines often fly under the radar unless things go wrong, but they’re the foundation for any successful offense. The Bengals’ offense, led by Joe Burrow, is packed with talent—from dynamic receivers to a skilled running back room. But even the best skill players can’t overcome constant pressure or a lack of running lanes.
In 2024, the Bengals' offensive line ranked near the bottom in critical metrics like pass block win rate and run block win rate. And that translated into Burrow facing pressure more often than any elite quarterback should. When a QB is rushed constantly, it shortens their window to throw, leads to more sacks, and increases the risk of injury.
The run game suffers too. Without a line that can open up holes, the ground attack stalls. Defenses key in on the pass, knowing the run isn’t much of a threat.
What Bengals Fans Can Watch For This Season
Here’s where it gets exciting for Bengals fans, though. The season will be a true test of whether these bets on new players and coaching pay off.
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Will Amarius Mims stay healthy and develop into the right tackle they desperately need?
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Can rookie Dylan Fairchild hold his own against NFL-caliber defensive linemen from Week 1?
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Does Lucas Patrick bring a steadying presence that uplifts the rest of the line?
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And finally, can the coaching staff put it all together and create a cohesive, effective unit?
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then the Bengals’ offense could be unstoppable.
The Stakes Are High
Why does this matter so much? Well, the Bengals invested heavily in the offensive skill positions, especially the wide receivers. Joe Burrow has shown he’s a top-tier QB when given the chance to operate with time and protection. So why spend over $86 million on receivers if your QB can’t get the ball to them safely?
This mismatch between spending and production is what analysts like Louis Riddick highlight when breaking down the team’s chances moving forward. It’s a glaring weakness that could hold the Bengals back, even if everything else clicks.
A Sneak Peek at the Competition
It’s also worth noting that other teams are making strides. The NFL is fiercely competitive, and teams with strong offensive lines tend to dominate in the long run. The Bengals can’t afford to lag behind on this front.
Fans have seen what a difference a great offensive line can make—just look at teams like the Dallas Cowboys or San Francisco 49ers. Protecting the QB and establishing a solid run game creates a balanced attack that’s tough to stop.
Bottom Line: Fix the Trenches or Face the Music
The Bengals are clearly aware of the issue and are taking steps. But the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting.
Offensive lines don’t fix themselves overnight. It takes time, patience, and smart coaching to mold a group of individuals into a cohesive wall of blockers.
Until the Bengals can turn this around, expect more critiques and doubts about their offense’s ability to live up to its full potential.
Key Takeaways for Bengals Fans:
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The offensive line ranks near the bottom in critical blocking stats.
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Bengals are spending big on receivers but risk losing value if the line can’t protect Burrow.
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New coaching and new players bring hope but come with uncertainties.
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Fixing the line is essential for sustained success and unlocking the offense’s true potential.
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Fans should watch the development of rookies and new signings closely.
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