𝙄𝙛 𝙄 𝙃𝙖𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙒𝙚’𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘽𝙚 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜”: 𝙅𝙤𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙊𝙬𝙣𝙨 𝙐𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙨’ 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

If I Had Played Better”: Joe Burrow Takes Responsibility for Bengals’ Letdown Season, Eyes Redemption in 2025

As the NFL world gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow—not just for his performance, but for his introspective honesty in a moment where many athletes might shy away from accountability.

In a recent feature by Bengals team reporter Geoff Hobson, the 28-year-old star quarterback delivered a series of humble, heartfelt statements that have resonated across the league. Despite putting up solid numbers in the 2024 NFL season—throwing for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions—Burrow is shouldering the weight of Cincinnati’s underwhelming campaign. The Bengals finished 9-8, missing out on postseason relevance in what was supposed to be a bounce-back year for the team.

“If I had played even better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot that we were in,” Burrow admitted. “I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn’t matter what goes on anywhere else.”

It’s not often you hear that level of self-reflection from a franchise quarterback—especially one who has already accomplished so much. Selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow’s story from Ohio State transfer to LSU Heisman winner and national champion is already legendary. His ascension continued with the Bengals, guiding the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second year. But the NFL is a league that doesn’t live on yesterday’s victories, and Burrow knows that better than anyone.

Looking Back: Highs, Lows, and What Could’ve Been

Cincinnati’s 2024 season was defined by inconsistency. Despite moments of brilliance—including a strong finish with a narrow 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers—the team never quite found the rhythm needed to rise above the AFC North competition. Losses in key matchups and a few missed opportunities haunted a team that, on paper, had all the tools to contend.

Burrow was far from the problem, statistically. His chemistry with a deep wide receiver corps and improved pocket awareness led to explosive plays and strong second-half efforts. But in the NFL, small margins make big differences. The Bengals lost a number of one-score games and struggled with late-game execution, a trend that proved costly as playoff hopes faded.

All Eyes on Week 1: Bengals vs. Browns

With the past behind them, the Bengals now turn toward redemption—and their first chance will come swiftly. Cincinnati is set to open the 2025 NFL season against the Cleveland Browns, a familiar divisional foe.

The last time these two met, Cincinnati delivered a statement win, trouncing Cleveland 24-6. In that game, Burrow completed 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns—one of his most efficient outings of the season. The Bengals hope to replicate that energy in Week 1, as they look to reestablish dominance not just in the division, but across the AFC.

Before the regular season kicks off, however, the Bengals will sharpen their tools with three preseason games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Indianapolis Colts. These matchups will offer important glimpses into how the team’s offseason changes—and Burrow’s mindset—translate to the field.

Internal Growth and External Expectations

Beyond Burrow’s candid remarks, there’s an undeniable shift in energy surrounding the Bengals’ locker room. A sense of urgency and accountability now permeates the squad. The team has made several key offseason moves, including bolstering the offensive line and secondary, and placing a renewed emphasis on situational football—an area where Cincinnati fell short in 2024.

With Burrow healthy, determined, and brutally honest with himself and his teammates, the Bengals have the cornerstone leadership many franchises crave. Now, it’s about converting potential into results.

The Road Ahead

After the Week 1 battle with Cleveland, Cincinnati’s schedule doesn’t let up. They face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, followed by pivotal matchups that could quickly shape their postseason trajectory. In a division loaded with talent, every game will matter.

Still, with Joe Burrow at the helm—and a hunger to make up for lost time—there’s every reason to believe the Bengals can roar back into contention. But in Burrow’s world, past accomplishments and stats are never enough.

“It’s about doing more. Doing better,” he said. “Because that’s what this team—and this city—deserves.”

One thing is certain: Joe Burrow isn’t hiding from the pressure. He’s embracing it, and if his determination is any indication, the Bengals are about to write a new chapter—one built on resilience, leadership, and redemption.