Joe Burrow Backs 2026 Bengals Super Bowl Push as 29-Year-Old Sees Deeper Defense

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 31

Burrow said Cincinnati’s 2026 season feels “inevitable,” arguing this roster has the balance and urgency to make a serious Super Bowl run.
A deeper defense drives that belief: Burrow said the Bengals now trust 9 or 10 linemen in five-man fronts, with newcomers Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen setting the tone.
That upgrade should let the offense play less desperately, Burrow said, leaning more on the run and play-action instead of asking him to throw 60 times to keep up.
Burrow also said injuries have expanded his game after he missed significant time in 3 of 6 NFL seasons; over his final 3 games last year, he posted 850 yards, 9 touchdowns and a 125.9 rating.
At 29, Burrow said he welcomes “Super Bowl or bust” expectations after Cincinnati reshaped the roster in the offseason, insisting title talk should be stated openly rather than avoided.