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It finally caught up to them. The entire month of January, Cincinnati Bengals fans and bandwagoners knew the team's biggest problems: it's offensive line. A surprisingly stout two-sack game in the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs helped mask the stench of an abhorrent nine-sack game against the Titans.
Despite their offensive line giving up sacks like Oprah giving out money, Joe Burrow was still able to create opportunities. Getting sacked nine times a game didn't seem to matter for the Bengals QB. However, in their first Super Bowl appearance, it became increasingly clear that the team needed a major overhaul of their offensive line.
After a quiet first half from the Rams' star-studded defensive line, Aaron Donald and co. were out for blood. They were able to get to Burrow five times in the third quarter alone, severely hampering their ability to make big plays. It was the kind of performance that Bengals fans were fearing before the game even started.
Obviously, credit has to be given to Raheem Morris and the Rams defense for adjusting to the Bengals' game-plan. They were able to counter Cincy's strategy of doubling Donald, and in the end, the star DT was able to make the crucial stops when it mattered. However, the Rams' great defensive line does NOT excuse the Bengals' sorry performance on the offensive line.
The Bengals' greatest strength is their explosive offense. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd are one of the best receiving cores in history. All three have the ability to get downfield and wreck coverages. However, against the Rams, Burrow was forced to make checkdown after checkdown due to the collapsing pocket.
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In general, the Bengals offensive line has been downright terrible. The team set records for the most quarterback sacks taken in the postseason. For a budding title contender like Cincinnati, that is just unacceptable. (via ESPN Stats and Info)
After his 3rd sack taken tonight, Joe Burrow has now been sacked 15 times this postseason.
His 15 sacks are the most by any QB in a single postseason, surpassing the previous mark of 14 by Wade Wilson in the 1987 postseason. pic.twitter.com/Eb0HYegviG
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 14, 2022
Perhaps Mike Brown and the Bengals can learn from a conference rival of theirs: the Chiefs. Before becoming the contenders they are now, they had a glaring hole with their offensive line. Patrick Mahomes was shifty enough to make plays with a weak O-line, but KC decided to invest in their line. That made them into the AFC dynasty that they are today.
Investing in a better offensive line will also bode well for their future. Joe Burrow, as great as he's been, is coming off an ACL tear after taking a sack last season. In the Super Bowl, he seems to have reaggravated that same injury after getting sacked. The Bengals need to do everything they can to protect their star quarterback.
This offseason, the goal for the Bengals is simple: get help with your offensive line. The draft will be their biggest avenue for improvement, but that doesn't mean they can't look at other places. Free agency or trades are one way. Or perhaps a new offensive line coach can be the difference maker.
