Cincinnati Bengals: 3 keys to making the playoffs in 2021
By Alex Austin
How Cincinnati Bengals can make playoffs – Offensive line must improve
It is no secret that the Bengals have had poor play from whoever they put in their offensive line and that came to a head last year when Joe Burrow was injured late in the season. Whether it’s suffering from inconsistency, injuries, and just poor overall play, the Bengals unit has been one of the worst in the NFL over the last several years.
In 2020, Pro Football Focus determined that Cincinnati had the 30th best offensive line in the NFL. That is not a formula that will allow the team to compete.
Right now, the offense is set to be the strength of the Bengals. With Burrow able to choose from three great wide receivers and a top running back, this unit could compete with any in the NFL if they are given enough time to operate.
The pieces are there but for Burrow and company to succeed, the offensive line will have to be better than they were the last few seasons. The additions of Riley Reiff via free agency and Jackson Carman through the draft provide an upgrade, but not as large as many fans were hoping they would do this offseason.
The offensive line will have to play above expectations for Cincinnati to compete in a crowded AFC North.