Upright Citizens Brigade

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: the Cincinnati Bengals have failed their franchise quarterback. In a league where protecting your signal caller is paramount, the Bengals continue to flirt with disaster—and it’s finally caught up to them again.

Joe Burrow, the once-in-a-generation quarterback and heart of this Bengals franchise, suffered a toe injury in Week 2 against Jacksonville that will require surgery and sideline him for three months. This marks the third major injury of Burrow’s short career, and it should have fans—and the front office—asking serious questions about the franchise’s priorities.

A Troubling Pattern

Since Joe Burrow entered the league in 2020, no quarterback has faced more consistent pressure with fewer protections. The Bengals have allowed the 4th-most sacks in the NFL during that span. That’s not just a stat—it’s an indictment.

When you draft a generational quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, your first priority should be keeping him upright. Instead, Cincinnati built their offense like a fantasy football roster—flashy wideouts, big-play potential, and very little trench investment.

And now, we’re seeing the result.

Revisiting the 2021 NFL Draft: Chase vs. Sewell

Let’s go back to a pivotal moment in this saga: the 2021 NFL Draft.

With the 5th overall pick, the Bengals had two tantalizing options staring them in the face:

Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s former LSU teammate and elite receiving talent
Penei Sewell, a generational offensive tackle prospect who would’ve given Burrow the bodyguard he desperately needed

The Bengals chose Chase. And to be fair, no one can argue with the talent. Chase has been electric—one of the best wide receivers in football. His chemistry with Burrow is undeniable, and his highlight reel is jaw-dropping.

But here’s the thing: the Bengals now have plenty of weapons. What they didn’t have-and what they still don’t-was a stable, reliable offensive line. Two picks later, the Detroit Lions grabbed Sewell—and he’s playing at an All-Pro and future Hall of Fame level, anchoring one of the league’s best lines and giving Jared Goff the protection Burrow dreams about.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20. But four years later, we’re not just speculating anymore. We’re watching the consequences unfold in real time.

Weapons Mean Nothing Without Protection

It doesn’t matter how many elite receivers you have if your quarterback is constantly on his back or, worse, on the operating table. A line can’t just be “good enough.” Not in today’s NFL. Not when you’re trying to compete in the AFC gauntlet with teams like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore.

Burrow’s latest injury is a direct consequence of a front office that has consistently underinvested in his protection. Whether it’s poor draft decisions, training camp holdouts, or just ignoring the obvious, the Bengals’ strategy has repeatedly placed style over substance.

And now, they’re paying the price.

Burrow Deserves Better

Since 2020, the Bengals are just 6-8 in games without Joe Burrow, averaging a meager 20 points per game. Without him, the magic is gone. That’s how important he is to this team—and it’s exactly why protecting him should’ve been the top priority.

This year was supposed to be different. The Bengals were finally 2-0 to start the season, showing signs of shaking off their annual slow start. And then, in a blink, it’s all gone. Once again, the Bengals must navigate a season without their franchise cornerstone. And once again, we’re left wondering: How many more injuries can Burrow sustain before the damage is permanent? I don’t want to see him go the same route as Andrew Luck – forced into early retirement as the hits and pain take its toll.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s put it into context:

3 major injuries in 5 seasons
4th-most sacks allowed in the NFL since 2020
A missed opportunity to draft a franchise left tackle in 2021
A current team still scrambling to find OL consistency

These aren’t unfortunate coincidences. They’re the result of a long line of poor prioritization.

Where Do the Bengals Go From Here?

The Bengals defense is already a problem. And now, with Burrow sidelined once again, the offense is stuck in neutral. Cincinnati’s 2025 playoff hopes have been dealt a major blow, and once again, an entire season may be lost due to an injury that could have been avoided with better protection.

We’re not saying Ja’Marr Chase was a bad pick. Quite the opposite. But we are saying that building a house without a foundation doesn’t make sense, no matter how beautiful the windows are.

Final Thoughts: The Upright Citizens Brigade

It’s time for the Bengals front office to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Protecting Joe Burrow should be priority No. 1, 2, and 3. Until that happens, this franchise will remain stuck in a cycle of heartbreak, near-misses, and medical updates.

You can’t be a “contender” if your quarterback can’t stay on the field. And you can’t ask Joe Burrow to keep carrying your franchise if you’re unwilling to carry your weight up front.

It’s time for Cincinnati to join the Upright Citizens Brigade—and make sure their most valuable asset stays standing.

Before it’s too late.