The Cincinnati Bengals made an improbable run to the Super Bowl led by star quarterback Joe Burrow this past season, where they were eventually bested by the Los Angeles Rams. Even though they didn't emerge with a Lombardi Trophy, it's clear that a new standard was set in Cincinnati, with Burrow reminding the organization that a winning culture could be possible again after five straight losing campaigns. Not only that, but there is an air of confidence around the Bengals about the 2022 season. Just listen to Burrow, per ESPN.

“Going into last year, we knew we were good, but I think going into the playoffs, we knew we could win but we weren't really sure what it took,” Burrow said Tuesday. “We just went out there and played really hard and together as a team, and it worked out.

“Now, we know what it takes and we have that experience in our back pockets going forward.”

Burrow said that the Bengals “know what it takes” to win in big moments, such as the Super Bowl, now. The star quarterback indicated that the young team didn't really understand all that it took to win a championship when they shared the field against the Rams.

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Burrow and the Bengals received some valuable playoff experience in 2021, which will be even more important in an AFC that figures to be a gauntlet in 2022 after a flurry of offseason player movement.

That won't scare Burrow and the Bengals, though.