This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/LloydTheWonderDog on 2025-03-24 13:01:17+00:00.

Contributors: u/LloydTheWonderDog

Division: AFC North

Record: 9-8, 3rd in division, missed playoffs

Season Summary

After a two-year stretch that firmly established the Joe Burrow-Era Bengals as a premier team in the AFC, the boys in stripes were given a swift ride back to earth in the form of disappointment paired with bad luck. An injury-riddled season for Burrow led to an unexpected breakout star in Jake Browning, but unfortunately it was not enough to overcome a 1-3 start and a significant decline on the defensive side of the ball. Following another aggressive offseason spearheaded by an active free agency period that replenished several key position groups, the Bengals looked to capitalize on Burrow’s first ever complete offseason and return to the top of the AFC playoff picture.

Unfortunately, a perfect storm of offseason contract drama, several free agency signings falling incredibly short of expectations, and another significant regression of the defense led to what may be considered the most disappointing season of Zac Taylor’s coaching career. While we fully saw the realization of the Joe Burrow-led offense’s potential, the hurdles very quickly became too lofty to overcome.

Season Review

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