Burrow and the Bengals will be back

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals may have lost the big game against the Los Angeles Rams 20-23 in Super Bowl LVI, but they have the building blocks to return to the playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl.

First and foremost, they have to protect their franchise quarterback as Burrow was sacked seven times in the loss to the Rams which tied Los Angeles and two other teams for most sacks in a Super Bowl

The Bengals finished the regular season with a (10-7) record and finished third in allowing most sacks against a quarterback (55), with only the Baltimore Ravens (57) and the Chicago Bears (58) allowing more.

The Bengals have proven that even with a subpar offensive line that allowed nine sacks in the playoff win against the Titans, having a horrendous offensive line will eventually hinder any more production and cost a potentially big game win.

The 2022 NFL Draft will be critical in rebuilding an offensive line that can protect the young franchise quarterback.

The Bengals drafted former LSU standout and teammate of Burrow Ja’Marr Chase, in the first round along with a majority of defensive players.

In a 2022 mock draft, Left tackles Daniel Faalele out of Minnesota and North Dakota State Cordell Volson both showcase what the Bengals need to protect Burrow.

 Faalele is one of the bigger linemen coming out of college at 6’9 and weighing 400 pounds and with his size and width, he makes for a tough opponent to move and an asset in protecting Burrow.

Cordell Volson is listed 6’7″ and 313 pounds and is difficult to handle in run blocking as he is athletic enough to get to the second and third levels and give the defense fits.

If the Bengals are looking to replicate their success on defense for their offense, then drafting for the offensive line is paramount in building a Superbowl championship team.