4 things that must happen for Bengals to repeat as AFC champions

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 30: Head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals hold the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 30: Head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals hold the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

A Powerful Offense

Everyone can agree that the Bengal’s offensive line struggled last season allowing Burrow to be sacked 83 times. Free agency was mainly dedicated to solving the problem of keeping Burrow upright. After all, If he can complete 7,299 passing yards with the offensive line from last year, just think what he could do with an unrelenting line.

As soon as free agency began, the Bengals signed right guard Alex Cappa, center Ted Karras, and, a thrilling surprise to many fans, right tackle La’el Collins. The significance of these signings signified that they were not happy with how things ended last season.

The only real question is, can Jackson Carman hold down the left guard spot? If not, then that decision of how to improve at guard will be made during the preseason.

With Burrow having time to work in the pocket, the sky is the limit. Burrow must rely on all his weapons to repeat an AFC championship, including his impressive collection of young and talented receiving corps of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Together they make up one of the most explosive groups in the NFL.

Now add in rock-solid running back Joe Mixon, who ran for 1,205 yards last season, and newly acquired tight end Hayden Hurst and this becomes some offense. If Burrow can use this high-powered offense like I know he is capable of, then making a repeat of the AFC could be in his sights.