At this year’s Fanatics Fest, Joe Burrow had one of those unforgettable moments that perfectly captured his relationship with Cincinnati Bengals fans.
In an interview at the event with Kay Adams on Saturday, Burrow was approached by a young fan named Asher, who didn’t hold back. When Burrow promised, “We’re going to have a great year for you,” Asher shot back with a blunt and honest, “You better make the playoffs.”
Burrow didn’t skip a beat. His response? Simple, calm, and confident.
“Rightfully so.”
That exchange sums up Burrow’s mindset heading into the 2025 NFL season. It’s a no-excuses attitude and a clear recognition of what the Bengals didn’t finish last year. Burrow knows the expectations are high, and the two-time Pro Bowl QB is ready to own up to them.
Why Bengals Fell Short in 2024
Last season, the Bengals showed off a seriously impressive offense. Finishing with the sixth-best scoring offense in the league and leading in passing yards and touchdowns, Burrow once again proved why he’s among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. The chemistry with pass catchers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki and emerging talent Andrei Iosivas was electric.
But the postseason? They just missed it with a 9-8 record.
Why? The defense was the Achilles’ heel. They gave up way too many points and couldn’t hold the fort when it mattered most.
Still, Burrow’s willingness to shoulder that blame more than reflects his leadership. He’s not about excuses, and that honesty has only strengthened his bond with Bengals fans. People see him as a committed leader who’s all in for the city and the team’s success.
Chase and Higgins, two of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers, are locked in for a pivotal year. Gesicki returns at tight end, bringing reliable hands and veteran savvy. Iosivas is starting to emerge as a solid weapon, adding fresh energy to the group. On top of that, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher returns for his second year running the show.
This lack of turnover is huge. No new playbooks. No scrambling to teach new players. Instead, Burrow and his teammates can focus on refining the things they already know.
What Fans Can Expect in 2025
If the Bengals want to turn last season’s near miss into a playoff push, a few things have to happen.
The offense needs to keep clicking, no question. With Burrow at the helm, a stable cast of weapons, and an OC who knows the system, that’s very much within reach.
The defense, however, needs to step up significantly. Whether through improved coaching, new additions, or player development, Cincinnati can’t afford to give up easy points anymore.
Last season, Cincinnati finished first in passing yards and touchdowns, sixth in scoring, and ninth in total offense. They clearly have the firepower. The goal now is to make that offense not just great on paper but unstoppable when it counts most.
Burrow is right in the middle of it all, and he’s never looked more ready. At 28, he’s entering his prime as a quarterback. Coming off his best NFL campaign, completing 460 passes for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns.
The Bengals’ front office has been busy addressing defensive needs in the offseason, and they’ll need to see real progress there. Because no matter how good Burrow and the offense are, NFL teams ultimately need balance, as the 2024-25 campaign showed.
Pressure isn’t new to Burrow. From leading LSU to a national championship to the NFL’s biggest stages, he’s faced it head-on. But this pressure feels different. It’s the pressure of expectation — from a fanbase that’s seen glimpses of greatness and now demands playoff success.
Burrow and his Bengals squadron are ready to flip the narrative, change the opinions of NFL fans, and most importantly their own.
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