Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow addressed the team’s continued struggles following another season ending without a playoff appearance. Speaking after the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, Burrow expressed frustration with the outcome and emphasized the need for change moving forward.
“Something’s got to change,” Burrow said, underscoring the disappointment of missing the postseason yet again.
The Bengals, who entered the 2025 campaign with high expectations, were unable to meet those goals due to a combination of injuries, inconsistent play, and tough competition within the AFC. Burrow himself missed significant time earlier in the season recovering from injury, a factor that played a role in the team’s overall performance.
Despite moments of promise throughout the season, Cincinnati was ultimately unable to gain the necessary momentum to secure a playoff berth. The absence marks a step back from previous years when the Bengals reached the postseason, including their Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season and subsequent playoff runs.
Burrow, a team captain and former No. 1 overall draft pick, is regarded as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks when healthy. His leadership and on-field production are critical to the Bengals’ success, and his comments reflect a desire to return the team to its competitive standing.
While Burrow did not detail specific changes he believes are needed, his statement suggests a review of both coaching strategies and roster construction could be on the horizon. The Bengals face important decisions in the offseason, including player evaluations and potential staff adjustments, as they aim to realign for the 2026 season.
Moving forward, the organization will look to maximize its talent and address inconsistencies that have kept it from meeting expectations. With Burrow at the helm and a core of young playmakers, the Bengals have the tools to compete, but translating potential into success remains the central challenge.
As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on how Cincinnati responds to another year of unmet goals and what changes might be implemented to alter the trajectory of the franchise.
