For three consecutive seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have failed to reach the postseason despite receiving MVP-level play from franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Entering his age-29 season, Burrow acknowledged there is no time to waste, prompting a brutally honest take from a former NFL QB-turned analyst.
Dan Orlovsky Hints at Joe Burrow Leaving Bengals
Following the Bengals and Bears’ joint practice on Thursday, Burrow spoke to the media about his expectations for the 2026 season and why he believes Cincinnati has what it takes to win the Super Bowl.
“I’m trying to manifest it,” Burrow said. “I’m trying to show our guys the urgency that I have and that I want us to have as an organization to go and make it happen. You can keep pushing it down the road, or you can talk about it now and say, ‘This is the year.’”
“And I’m tired of saying, ‘Next year, next year, next year.’ This is it,” Burrow added. “Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road. I’m trying to instill some urgency and some intensity in everybody to go and be great every day and try to go make it happen.”
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Shortly after, former NFL QB-turned-analyst Dan Orlovsky replied to the post on X, offering a blunt interpretation of what Burrow may have truly meant: “Win or I’m out.”
Win or I’m out. https://t.co/DiWViQarMR
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 20, 2026
“Reality in the league,” Orlovsky replied when a person asked why he thinks Burrow could leave. “Org is absolutely all in. If they don’t make playoffs that’s 4 straight seasons, if that happens in that league there are big big changes. For all the Bengals fans, I’ve said the Bengals (will) win the division and go 13-4, so…”
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Since reaching the Super Bowl and AFC Championship Game in Burrow’s second and third NFL seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Bengals have failed to recapture that same level of success. Over the past three seasons, the Bengals finished 9-8, 9-8, and most recently 6-11.
Although Burrow has struggled to stay healthy, much of the blame lies with the team’s ownership and front office, which have consistently failed to surround the superstar quarterback with a competent offensive line and defense.
In 2024, despite Burrow throwing for a league-high 4,918 yards and 43 passing touchdowns and being fifth in MVP voting, the Bengals missed the playoffs entirely. Their defense allowed 25.5 points per game that season and posted a 68.9 Impact Score, ranking 26th among all units, according to PFN’s Defense Impact Metric.
Fortunately for Burrow, the Bengals addressed their defensive issues in a big way this offseason.
They acquired superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants and also signed edge rusher Boye Mafe, safety Bryan Cook, and another of the league’s top defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen.
Between Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and a completely revamped defense, the Bengals’ roster is extremely dangerous, at least on paper. Time will tell if it all comes together and the Bengals can make a postseason run that leaves analysts with no doubt that Burrow will remain in Cincinnati.
