Burrow is entering his seventh NFL season in 2026<\/a>. Last year, the Bengals missed the playoffs and finished with a 6-11 record. Which doesn’t sound like a recipe for an all-time type team.<\/p>\n Why LSU Fans\u00a0Might Second Guess Joe Burrow’s Statements<\/p>\n LSU<\/a> fans might do a double take when they hear these statements, because Burrow led the 2019 Tigers to a 15-0 record and a national championship<\/a>. That collegiate roster featured current professionals like Ja’Marr Chase (who is a Bengal<\/a> alongside Burrow) and Justin Jefferson.<\/p>\n Burrow states the returning starters evoke the exact feeling he had before the 2019 college season. He believes significant achievement is possible<\/a> with the current Cincinnati roster.<\/p>\n But how realistic is that really<\/a>? The offense could be dangerous, if the offensive line lets Burrow stay upright, and uninjured. But the defense has had tons of issues over the last couple of season too. At least the Bengals tried to do something about that side of the ball.<\/p>\n Cincinnati Bengals Finalize 2026 Roster Additions<\/p>\n The Bengals expect immediate improvement after completing aggressive defensive upgrades. Cincinnati traded the\u00a010ht overall draft pick to acquire veteran defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence<\/a>. Which is a move that many fans applauded…except fans of other AFC North teams.<\/p>\n![\"Ronald](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/attachment-gettyimages-1370185247.jpg\")
Ronald Martinez, Getty ImagesRonald Martinez, Getty Images<\/p>\n