CINCINNATI, Ohio — Joe Burrow’s offensive line protection has been a storyline ever since the Bengals drafted him in 2020.

He has had two major surgeries in his first five seasons. He is reportedly set to have a third as early as Friday to fix a turf toe injury that he suffered on Sunday vs. the Jaguars.

In the days to come, we will look at how the Bengals have been unable to give Burrow the protection he needs up front.

We’re giving you a sneak preview today as we look at what the advanced numbers say about the offensive lines the Bengals have put in front of Burrow.

Based on grades from Pro Football Focus, Cincinnati’s pass protection has never been ranked better than 22nd since Burrow was drafted. The Bengals rank 24th after two weeks this season.

Bengals ranked 25th in pass blocking in 2021, when they went to the Super Bowl, and that slipped to 30th in 2022, even though they returned to the AFC Championship Game.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted this on X on Monday morning, showing where Cincinnati has ranked in pass block win rate according to the network’s research team, and those numbers are even less kind. The Bengals have never been better than 27th in any of Burrow’s six seasons, and they were 32nd in 2024.

We’ll look at the different attempts the Bengals have made to fix it, but the numbers don’t lie about how much they’ve struggled to protect their franchise quarterback.

With Burrow suffering yet another significant injury, one that could keep him out for three months, Cincinnati’s continued issues building the offensive line came back into the spotlight.

What to know about the Bengals today

Browning replacing Burrow doesn’t shift spotlight from Bengals’ main flaw (WKRC-TV)

While Jake Browning steps in for injured Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s defense remains a major question mark despite their 2-0 start. The unit has been opportunistic with four interceptions in two games, but struggles with generating pass rush beyond Trey Hendrickson, who has eight of the team’s 15 pressures. Defensive coordinator Al Golden takes responsibility for the shortcomings, acknowledging he needs to create better plans while praising his unit’s resilience in critical moments

Bengals post-Joe Burrow: How the offense could change under Jake Browning (The Athletic)

With Joe Burrow out for the season, backup quarterback Jake Browning takes over a Cincinnati offense that will likely see strategic adjustments. Paul Dehner Jr. reports the Bengals may shift to more under-center formations and play-action passes—areas where Browning excelled during his 4-3 stretch as starter last season. Browning’s calm demeanor and familiarity with the system (he’s been with Cincinnati since 2021) have the coaching staff confident despite the significant transition.

With Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson Off to Best Start of His Career, a Look at All 14 of His NFL-Leading Pressures (Bengals on SI)

Despite skipping training camp, Cincinnati defensive end Trey Hendrickson has recorded an NFL-leading 14 quarterback pressures through two games – his career best for a season start. Jay Morrison details how these pressures have directly led to three sacks, an interception, and six incompletions, proving crucial for Cincinnati’s defense.

Bengals dates to remember

Sunday: Week 3 at Vikings, 1 p.m., CBS

Sept. 29: Week 4 at Broncos, 8:15 p.m., ABC

Oct. 5: Week 5 vs. Lions, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Oct. 12: Week 6 at Packers, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Oct. 16: Week 7 vs. Steelers, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video