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NFL offseason workouts and mandatory minicamps are wrapping up, and training camp is just around the corner as teams prepare for the 2026 season. The Cincinnati Bengals have missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons after coming within a game of winning back-to-back Super Bowls. While the organization has overhauled its defense this offseason, quarterback Joe Burrow is also doing his part to help the team return to contention.
A recent report indicates that Burrow has spent considerable time working under center while refining his play-action game. During Burrow’s tenure, the Bengals have relied heavily on the shotgun formation, helping create one of the NFL’s most explosive passing attacks. It’s a logical approach with an elite quarterback and a pair of elite wide receivers.
MORE: 3 NFL contenders who could sign DeAndre Hopkins
However, Burrow’s injury history has repeatedly derailed Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. One of the best ways to protect its franchise quarterback is by establishing a more effective running game. Becoming more comfortable under center could be a key step toward making the ground attack more consistent.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after the game-winning touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in overtime of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase. Credit: © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Burrow remains the Bengals’ most important player as they pursue a return to the postseason. The front office has surrounded him with plenty of offensive weapons while making a concerted effort to improve the defense this offseason.
The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, signed multiple free agents, and invested heavily in defensive talent during the draft. Burrow appears to have embraced those changes, and his commitment to spending more time under center reflects his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
MORE: Brendan Sorsby’s CFL ban could end former Texas Tech QB’s 2026 football hopes
Burrow recently told reporters that the Bengals simply need to take care of their business. On paper, this could be Cincinnati’s strongest roster since its Super Bowl run during the 2021 season.
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The Bengals have also invested heavily in the offensive line over the past several years. Still, one of the best ways to make life easier for that unit is by forcing opposing defenses to respect the running game.
Burrow has missed 17 games over the past three seasons. Although he started all 17 games in 2024, injuries limited him during the 2023 and 2025 seasons, and Cincinnati missed the playoffs both years. In contrast, with a healthy Burrow in 2024, the Bengals remained in postseason contention through their Week 18 victory over Pittsburgh.
By all accounts, everyone in Cincinnati is pulling in the same direction. Now, Burrow has to deliver once again for the Queen City.
Continue reading...
A recent report indicates that Burrow has spent considerable time working under center while refining his play-action game. During Burrow’s tenure, the Bengals have relied heavily on the shotgun formation, helping create one of the NFL’s most explosive passing attacks. It’s a logical approach with an elite quarterback and a pair of elite wide receivers.
MORE: 3 NFL contenders who could sign DeAndre Hopkins
However, Burrow’s injury history has repeatedly derailed Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. One of the best ways to protect its franchise quarterback is by establishing a more effective running game. Becoming more comfortable under center could be a key step toward making the ground attack more consistent.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after the game-winning touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in overtime of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase. Credit: © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Burrow willing to do whatever it takes
Burrow remains the Bengals’ most important player as they pursue a return to the postseason. The front office has surrounded him with plenty of offensive weapons while making a concerted effort to improve the defense this offseason.
The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, signed multiple free agents, and invested heavily in defensive talent during the draft. Burrow appears to have embraced those changes, and his commitment to spending more time under center reflects his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
MORE: Brendan Sorsby’s CFL ban could end former Texas Tech QB’s 2026 football hopes
Burrow recently told reporters that the Bengals simply need to take care of their business. On paper, this could be Cincinnati’s strongest roster since its Super Bowl run during the 2021 season.
You must be registered for see images attach
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Keeping Burrow healthy is crucial
The Bengals have also invested heavily in the offensive line over the past several years. Still, one of the best ways to make life easier for that unit is by forcing opposing defenses to respect the running game.
Burrow has missed 17 games over the past three seasons. Although he started all 17 games in 2024, injuries limited him during the 2023 and 2025 seasons, and Cincinnati missed the playoffs both years. In contrast, with a healthy Burrow in 2024, the Bengals remained in postseason contention through their Week 18 victory over Pittsburgh.
By all accounts, everyone in Cincinnati is pulling in the same direction. Now, Burrow has to deliver once again for the Queen City.
Continue reading...
