The Cincinnati Bengals have been in Super Bowl contention for years, but something always seemed to get in the way. Will things finally start to click? Joe Burrow is optimistic.

That hasn’t always been the case in recent years. For example, because he was injured yet again. Or when it became clear that the franchise’s roster moves weren’t enough to bring the vulnerable defense up to the level of the offense.

Back then, the quarterback had no problem voicing his displeasure in public.

It didn’t help, because after the Super Bowl loss in the 2021 season, the team still managed to reach the Championship Game in 2022, before failing to even make the postseason in the following three years.

Cincinnati Bengals: Taking the Initiative

But the Bengals clearly mean business in 2026, as they’ve signed four potential new starters: Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook.

“I’m really excited about the moves we’ve made this offseason,” Burrow told “Vanity Fair.” “We need to get better, so it was great to see everyone in the organization taking the initiative.“

Burrow: ”In the prime of our careers, playing at a high level“

We are ”in an exciting phase, in the prime of our careers, and playing at a high level,“ said Burrow, who praised the signings, as they help ”enormously to stabilize the defense.” At the same time, they “give the younger players a chance to develop. We’ll do everything we can to achieve what we set out to achieve.”

Because Burrow knows that the window is open. The crux of the matter in the NFL: Eventually, it closes again. “Soon it’ll be up to us to deliver on the field,” Burrow emphasized.

The numbers show just how important his own health is: Since 2023, Burrow has missed 16 games, including nine last season. With him on the field, the Cincinnati Bengals have a 19-16 record; without him, it’s 5-11.