Story perspectives

Bengals Face Critical Changes After Third Straight Playoff Miss

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals will miss the NFL playoffs for the third straight season.
The team previously reached the AFC Championship in 2022 and the Super Bowl in 2021.
Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Albert Breer warns that Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's patience may be running thin, and that another disappointing season could trigger significant changes.
The Bengals must address their defense and protect Burrow to avoid repeating past failures.

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Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals will miss the NFL playoffs for the third straight season.
The team previously reached the AFC Championship in 2022 and the Super Bowl in 2021.
Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Albert Breer warns that Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's patience may be running thin, and that another disappointing season could trigger significant changes.
The Bengals must address their defense and protect Burrow to avoid repeating past failures.