Cincinnati Bengals
· 2026-07-15
Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. is making a bold claim ahead of the 2026 season. He believes his team's offensive line is the best in the NFL at protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, a crucial factor as the Bengals strive to keep their star healthy after recent injury concerns.
Brown's confidence stems from the unit's consistency and performance. The Bengals' offensive line, featuring Brown, left guard Dylan Fairchild, center Ted Karras, right guard Dalton Risner, and right tackle Amarius Mims, started 15-17 games each last season. Despite allowing 36 sacks (19th in the NFL), Brown argues that pass protection is among the hardest tasks in football, and his unit has shown resilience.
The Bengals' success hinges on keeping Burrow upright. Since being drafted No. 1 in 2020, Burrow has led Cincinnati to a Super Bowl and three Pro Bowls, but injuries have plagued his career. He missed 16 games over the past two seasons, including nine in 2025 due to a Grade 3 turf toe injury. With the Bengals finishing 6-11 in 2025 and on a one-game losing streak, protecting Burrow is more critical than ever as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their 2026 season opener on September 13.
While Brown's confidence is high, the Bengals' offensive line will be tested early. The unit returns largely intact, but consistency will be key. If they can reduce sacks and give Burrow time, Cincinnati could rebound from their 11th-place finish in the AFC last season. The Bengals' ability to protect Burrow will determine their success in 2026.