The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping the 2025 season will be much better than what we saw in 2024. Despite having a high-powered offense, their defense faltered in key moments, resulting in a season record of 9-8. Two players who stood out from the rest for their excellent play were quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. According to PFF, the Burrow and Chase duo were named the top QB/WR duo in the NFL. PFF said, “Burrow ranked No. 2 in PFF’s quarterback rankings, while Chase placed No. 3 in the wide receiver rankings. Since 2021, Burrow has a 96.5 PFF passing grade and 53 big-time throws when targeting Chase.”
Burrow played at an MVP level, throwing for 4,918 yards with 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He won the Comeback Player of the Year award while finishing fourth in league MVP. As for Chase, he has one of the best wide receiver seasons in recent memory, winning the triple crown with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Pro and finished third in offensive player of the year voting. Burrow and Chase have had chemistry since their days at LSU. That has carried into the NFL, and many expect the Bengals to be a top offense in the NFL once again.
Looking back to 2021, the Bengals made it to the Super Bowl with Burrow and Chase leading the way on offense. Many hope the Bengals’ defense will improve this year under new defensive coordinator Al Golden. Golden comes to Cincinnati after serving as the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame for the past three seasons. He previously coached the Bengals' linebackers in the 2020-21 season, so he is familiar with the team and some of its players.
If the defense can show some improvements in 2025, the Bengals have a chance to be serious Super Bowl contenders. The NFL is a pass-heavy, offensive league, and Burrow and Chase allow them to do those things better than anyone.