Joe Burrow sends message: Bengals must ‘figure it out’ this offseason

Cincinnati Bengals franchise quarterback Joe Burrow sent a message to everyone who plays a role in building the 53-man roster following his team’s 20-18  home loss to Cleveland in the season finale.

Another season in Burrow’s prime has been wasted as the Bengals finished 6-11 and will miss the playoffs for a third straight year.

Advertisement

“We certainly aren’t where we need or want to be … not where I expect to be,” Burrow said Jan. 4. “We have to figure it out.”

Over the next few days, Burrow will meet members of the Bengals’ front office and coaching staff. He will provide his thoughts on what he wants to see the franchise do in the offseason.

He knows his voice is highly valued in the organization and plans to use it in a way that can help guide the franchise in another critical offseason.

Burrow and Bengals’ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have publicly expressed their desire to see the franchise do something different. Change is needed at some level to get the Bengals out of their drought of missing the postseason.

Advertisement

“I think about things critically, and I think I can provide insight into things going on in the locker room and on the field that could help us win,” Burrow said. “So, I plan to voice some things just like I do every offseason.”

The team is a year removed from arguably the biggest offseason the franchise has seen to date with high profile contact extensions with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, wide receiver Tee Higgins and Chase. The Bengals were able to sign Chase and Higgins to multi-year deals. Hendrickson and the Bengals didn’t agree on a long-term deal, and he is expected to become a free agent in March.

This offseason will once again be focused on improving the defense. Burrow was asked if he believes his championship mindset is being matched by the front office.

His response left room for interpretation.

Advertisement

“I sure hope so. I know everybody is frustrated right now,” Burrow said. “There’s a disconnect during the season – we’re down here focused on the day-to-day and trying to get better, and it’s their job upstairs to focus on the big picture. I know they’re committed to that.”

One thing he made abundantly clear is that he fully supports head coach Zac Taylor. At every moment this season, he’s endorsed Taylor.

“I’m very confident in our coaching staff,” Burrow said. “I know those guys work really hard to put us in good positions, and I always feel well prepared and put in the best spot to succeed. From that standpoint, I think we’re in a good spot.”

Burrow wants to see the organization use free agency the right way, saying it’s of “paramount importance” to identify areas of need and “attack that period with intent to get better.”

Advertisement

It will be up to the Bengals’ front office to dictate how the offseason goes, and Burrow will be closely watching for the next eight months.

“As big as it gets,” he said when asked how big the offseason will be.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joe Burrow sends message: Bengals must ‘figure it out’