Yahoo Sports NFL on Joe Burrow

ArticleNFL execs rank Bengals 7th in AFC; concerns about o-line remainSeptember 4, 2026

From the article

Even with Burrow back, they have to make a huge jump defensively.

Captured by STACKED 13 hr after posting

STACKED’s take

NeutralProjection

Burrow's return alone insufficient; Bengals need defensive leap to compete.

NFL executives polled by The Athletic ranked the Bengals seventh in the AFC despite Joe Burrow's return from injury. One executive placing Cincinnati tenth noted that 'Even with Burrow back, they have to make a huge jump defensively,' suggesting concerns about the team's overall competitive standing extend beyond quarterback health and into defensive capability.