Joe Burrow is expected to be a central figure for the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL season, with many anticipating his leadership will guide the team to a significant playoff run. However, sports analyst Jason Whitlock recently voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Bengals organization, pointing to decisions he believes undermine Burrow’s prospects for a Super Bowl victory.

Speaking on his Fearless podcast, Whitlock criticized the Bengals for failing to provide Burrow with adequate support, especially highlighting the talent issues along the offensive line and defense. Referring to a recent Bengals game against the Washington Commanders, Whitlock said,

“Joe Burrow out there for the first quarter and maybe a tiny bit of the second quarter, looked pretty good, but his offensive line looked like trash. And the defense gave up 14 points in the first quarter and looked like trash. And I’m sitting there watching the Bengals with Burrow, who some people think perhaps is the best quarterback in all of the NFL.”

Whitlock further emphasized that despite Burrow having a strong receiving duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the team’s overall defense remains a glaring weakness. He declared,

“He certainly has the two best receivers combination in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase is getting paid a bunch of money. Higgins getting paid $28 million a year. They got everything, but they have no defense. And they’re potentially with Mike Brown, the owner, the cheapest team in all of professional sports.”

Joe Burrow’s Recent Achievements and Bengals’ Performance Struggles

Burrow directed the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2022, although the team fell short against the LA Rams in that championship game. His personal form has received high praise, including winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and finishing second in MVP voting last season. Despite Burrow’s impressive performances, the Bengals did not qualify for the playoffs last year, which added to the frustrations voiced by analysts like Whitlock who question the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

Bengals Prepare for Final Preseason Game as Regular Season Looms

The Bengals are scheduled to play their third and final preseason game of 2025 against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. With the regular season approaching, there is uncertainty about whether Burrow and other key starters will see playing time in this matchup. Cincinnati’s cautious approach to preseason participation is designed to keep star players healthy and ready for the more critical regular season contests.

Cincinnati’s preseason record includes a 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in their opener, followed by a 31-17 win against the Washington Commanders. The outcome of the upcoming game versus the Colts is less important than ensuring the starters, including Burrow, avoid injury before the regular season begins.

Ownership Criticism Highlights Franchise’s Super Bowl Challenges

Whitlock’s comments shine a spotlight on what he believes is the Bengals’ ownership prioritizing cost-cutting over strengthening the team’s infrastructure, particularly protecting their prized quarterback. With Joe Burrow regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, his ability to reach the Super Bowl again depends heavily on improvements to the offensive line and defense. The skepticism surrounding owner Mike Brown’s investment strategies raises concerns about the franchise’s commitment to contending for a championship in the near future.

As the Bengals head toward the 2025 regular season, their decisions on player health and roster investments will be closely watched, as these factors will significantly influence Joe Burrow Bengals Super Bowl chances in the coming months.