Joe Burrow Adds Pressure To Bengals With Latest Comment
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals looked like they were well on their way to being perennial Super Bowl contenders, but that hasn't been the case.
Cincinnati selected Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, and in his second year, he led the team to a Super Bowl berth, but the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams. The following year, Cincinnati reached the AFC Championship Game, but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite Burrow and the Bengals not winning the Super Bowl, many felt like they were close. However, since that AFC Championship loss in the 2022 NFL season, Cincinnati hasn't made the playoffs since.
The Bengals have missed the playoffs in three straight years as injuries have hindered Burrow. Yet, ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the franchise quarterback claims this year's Bengals team feels similar to the 2019 LSU Tigers team that dominated college football and won the national championship, which was led by Burrow at quarterback.
"You go back and watch what I said before the 2019 season at LSU," Burrow said on June 17. "I feel very similarly about this team. I'm so excited to get started and get moving. I wish we ramped this right into training camp so we can continue to improve. I feel like there's so much greatness we'll be able to achieve this year that I'm just excited to get going."
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It's a bold comment from Burrow, which will only add more pressure to the Bengals' season. The 2019 LSU Tigers football team is widely considered to be one of, if not the greatest, college football teams ever.
So, by Burrow saying this year's Cincinnati team reminds him of that, it puts sky-high expectations on the team, as now it's Super Bowl or bust for Burrow and the Bengals.
If Burrow can stay healthy, Cincinnati does have the talent to be a real threat in the AFC. However, oddsmakers don't believe in Burrow's confidence, as the Bengals are tied for the 12th-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +2000, and Cincinnati isn't even favored to win the AFC North.
Joe Burrow Wanted To Put Expectations On Bengals
Although Burrow's comments comparing Cincinnati to the 2019 LSU team that won it all will add pressure to the Bengals, that is what the quarterback wanted.
After missing the playoffs in three straight seasons, Burrow said his comment will hopefully fuel the team now that there are lofty expectations on them.
"Put pressure on guys," Burrow said. "I love it. I thrive in it. We'll find out who else does. I know we have the kind of people who want to be in that spot. I want everybody talking about the Bengals. I want everybody talking about what I'm saying in my press conferences."
Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn also agrees with Burrow, as she believes this team has all the tools to win the Super Bowl.
"If we can keep key guys out there on the field," Blackburn said, "I think we have a real shot to do really well."
The Bengals went out and traded for Dexter Lawrence to bolster their defense, which was a major issue last season.
Cincinnati will open its 2026 NFL season on Sept. 13 at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Related: The Cincinnati Bengals' 5 Worst Draft Picks in the Last 10 Years
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 10:54 AM.