Cincinnati Bengals Struggle with Offensive Line Rankings

The Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line has been ranked No. 28 in the league by NFL analyst Warren Sharp, a concerning sign for the team with Super Bowl expectations, standing 11th in the American Football Conference with a 6-11 record.

What's the issue with the Bengals' offensive line?

The Bengals' offensive line allowed the third-most pressure and the second-most non-blitz pressure last season, which could make life harder for quarterback Joe Burrow.

The primary offensive line combo of Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims produced 3.9 yards per carry and a 12.8% stuff rate on running back runs.

How does continuity impact the Bengals' offense?

The Bengals return all five starting linemen from last season, which could be a big advantage early in the season, as noted by Burrow, who said "to have all these guys back is a big advantage early in the season".

Additionally, the Bengals' offensive line improved in the second half of the season, which could be a sign of optimism for the upcoming season.

What are the expectations for the Bengals' next game?

The Bengals will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13, 2026, and will need to improve their offensive line to compete with top teams.

The Bengals do not need the NFL's best offensive line to have one of the league's best offenses, but they do need better performance from their line to support Burrow and receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

And with players like Fairchild and Mims showing promise, the Bengals may be able to turn their offensive line around and make a push for the playoffs.

But for now, the Bengals' offensive line remains a concern, and the team will need to address this issue to achieve their Super Bowl expectations.

The Bengals' next game against the Buccaneers will be a test of their offense and their ability to improve their line, with the team looking to break their current L1 streak.