The Cincinnati Bengals managed to get off to a 1-0 start for the second year in a row, as they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 on Sunday. It was a complete performance with both the offense and defense proving their worth at Paycor Stadium.
Joe Burrow had a very professional start to the year, throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown. Despite the poor interception that led to a pick-six, the Bengals QB started as he meant to go on, guiding the team to a win.
However, the real story was how good the defense looked after the past couple of years where there may as well not have been a defense.
Russell Wilson asserts Burrow will leave the Bengals if this season goes poorly
It felt like the Bengals defense performing was a first, but there was another NFL first too; Russell Wilson was an analyst for the first time in his retirement, and it's fair to say that he's ruffled some feathers in Cincinnati. He spoke about Burrow and the Bengals on CBS.
"He’s tired of losing; he’s really focused on making this a special year. If it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone. I think he wants to leave."Russell Wilson, CBS
"If it doesn't go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone."@DangeRussWilson 👀 pic.twitter.com/fbRWVZLuYN
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 13, 2026
So, according to Wilson, Burrow wants to leave Cincinnati. He's outright wrong. Only last week, we saw Joe Burrow speaking about how he's in Cincy for the long term and that he is all in on winning for this franchise.
"I'm here for the long haul. I'm not going anywhere. "Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Either Wilson's hearing needs some work, or the former Pro-Bowler has made up his own mind about what Burrow is thinking.
The front office has backed Burrow
Not only did Wilson's comments completely contradict what Burrow himself said, but they also contradict everything that the Bengals' front office has done during the offseason.
Burrow needed a better defense on the other side of the ball; the front office got him one. He needed better protection from the offensive line, and they just dominated the Buccaneers' defensive front. He also wanted all of his offensive weapons to stay in Cincinnati, and they have. This organisation has committed to backing their quarterback; why would he leave now?
I'm not saying Wilson's analyst debut was a complete shocker, but I think he needs to make sure he learns the playbook.
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