The Cincinnati Bengals surpassed most analysts’ predictions for this year. After a four-win season in 2020, Cincy won 10 games and finished at the top of the AFC North. 

“You like to think that we’ll be back in this situation multiple times over the course of the next few years,” Burrow said. “We’ll take this and let it fuel us for the rest of our careers.”

So how does Zac Taylor and his Bengals maintain this successful run? After addressing the wide receiver position by adding even more depth with the draft selection of Ja’mar Chase, that hole has been filled. Now it is time to protect Burrow and finally get some offensive line help. The offensive line was ranked 20th on PFF’s final rankings of the year. While it’s not last, it still needs improvement. Last year’s game against Washington’s football team showcased the importance of protection after Burrow suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and additional damage to the knee. Why? Because the lack of protection for the 25-year old was sorely lacking. 

“You’ve got to have pass blockers at both tackle spots because they’ll interchange them and put a pass rusher on either guy. Even with inside guys like Aaron Donald, you have to solid pass protectors in a lot of places,” said Lapham. 

So what options could be available for Cininatti’s front office? The first choice is to look at free agency, specifically the right side of the line. There are some quality options on the market including Tampa Bay free agent center Ryan Jensen. The 30-year-old allowed only two sacks this year and was only called for five penalties. 

“He’d bring an air of toughness to a front five that’s gotten destroyed time and again in 2021,” said Dallas Robinson.

Another intriguing option to add to the offensive line is three-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead. The 30-year-old tackle is heading into his ninth year and is still looking great. This past season, Armstread gave up only one sack and was called for only three penalties. However, is the youth movement still the case in Cincy?

“[Armstead is a] perfect scheme fit for the Bengals coming from the Saints. Maybe after Trent Williams, [he is] the best tackle at blocking reach blocks on wide zone and getting to the second level and throwing those guys around. [In terms of] the pass protection, [he is] very good on straight pass sets too,” said a Sports Illustrated analyst. 

Lastly, an option to keep the youth movement in action is signing the 25-year-old tackle, Orlando Brown Jr. The young tackle can play on both sides of the line and still lockdown the left and right sides. The biggest threat to the Bengals for Brown Jr. is the Kansas City Chiefs. Obviously, with a young talent like Brown, the Chiefs would like to retain him. So, the franchise tag may be in play. However, if Kansas City cannot retain him, Cincy should pounce on Brown before another team makes an offer. 

“The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to show interest in OL Orlando Brown Jr, if he does in fact hit the open market, per source,” reported NFL Talk Sports. 

Another huge hole for the AFC champs was the cornerback position. With the likely departure of Eli Apple, the Bengals are left trying to find stronger defensive backs. Options on the market are numerous. The top free-agent cornerback is the up-and-coming star, J.C. Jackson. The New England back has shown improvement every opportunity he gets. Again, their biggest threat is the franchise tag. With a player as young and as talented as Jackson, Cincy needs to be willing to offer the money he wants and deserves.

“I guess they feel like they don’t need me,” Jackson said of the Patriots. “I guess I can’t be that important to them. I know I am, but they’re not showing me.” 

The last major need for the Bengals is to get some interior defensive line help. While the free agency market does not favor the position, there are some temporary fillings. For a team looking to take a shot at a possible championship, veterans and leaders must be present in the locker room. Veteran Akiem Hicks is available at the age of 32. The former Pro Bowler had a decent season amongst defensive tackles with five sacks and 17 solo tackles. A one-year contract for Hicks may be the option for the AFC North champs.

“I plan to go out and play some good football,” Hicks said. “That’s my approach every week.”

Another option to fill the hole is six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell. While Campbell is not the man he once was, the 35-year old still gives it his all every game. That is the type of player an up-and-coming team needs that is also trying to win. 

“If you’ve done a good job and if you’ve played well and you walk into a locker room, you have 10 seconds of respect,” coach Doug Marrone says. “But then you have to earn it. And I think that’s where Calais and a lot of our players have done a good job coming in and making sure they’re communicating that they’re happy to be a part of something.”

The Bengals surprised many this year. With a young and talented quarterback and an amazing receiving core, the team is set to win. However, adjustments must be made to solidify themselves as favorites for a Super Bowl return.