ESPN: Joe Burrow Is Being Wasted in Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at the center of controversy once again, not because of their star quarterback’s performance, but due to an underwhelming defense and looming contract issues that could derail their future. Joe Burrow, who led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns last season, continues to shine at the top of his game, yet questions are swirling about whether the franchise is doing enough to support him.

In a recent segment of ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL safety Ryan Clark voiced strong concerns about the Bengals’ trajectory, going so far as to accuse the team of “wasting” Joe Burrow’s career. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and analysts alike: Cincinnati might be squandering the prime years of one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

ESPN’s Ryan Clark Calls Out Bengals on National TV

Ryan Clark, who played for the Bengals’ division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, didn’t mince words when discussing Cincinnati’s preseason performance. Speaking on Get Up, Clark responded with an emphatic “Absolutely” when asked if the Bengals were wasting Burrow’s peak years.

He referenced Monday’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders, where Cincinnati allowed 14 points in the first quarter—even though Washington rested top starters like Jayden Daniels. Clark used a colorful analogy to describe the defense’s vulnerability.

“We’ve watched people run for more miles against the Cincinnati Bengals than David Goggins,” Clark said, highlighting the defensive issues plaguing the team.

The comment may have drawn laughs, but the implications are serious. With Joe Burrow under center, the Bengals should be a perennial Super Bowl contender. Instead, the team missed the playoffs in 2024 despite his stellar season.

Bengals Offense Still Thriving — But It’s Not Enough

Despite the defense’s shortcomings, Joe Burrow’s stats in 2024 were nothing short of elite. He led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, reaffirming his status as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. The Bengals also secured long-term deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, locking down an elite receiver duo.

However, as Clark pointed out, a great offense alone isn’t enough to carry a team in the NFL—especially when the defense ranks among the bottom of the league.

The Bengals’ defense allowed 34 or more points in six of their eight losses last season. No matter how good Burrow is, it’s nearly impossible to win consistently when the defense is giving up that many points.

Contract Standoff With Trey Hendrickson Raises More Red Flags

Adding fuel to the fire is the ongoing contract dispute with Trey Hendrickson, the team’s best defensive player. Hendrickson led the Bengals with 17.5 sacks last season, more than triple the next closest defender. Yet, as of late August, the two sides have failed to agree on guaranteed money, despite being close on salary and contract length.

ESPN’s Laura Rutledge reported that negotiations are ongoing, but Clark believes this is yet another example of mismanagement.

“You haven’t signed your best player, and one of the few impact players you have on that side of the football,” Clark said, underscoring just how fragile Cincinnati’s defense could be without Hendrickson on the field.

Are the Bengals Counting on Burrow to Do Too Much?

In an unusual twist, Joe Burrow played in Monday’s preseason game, something most top-tier quarterbacks avoid. Clark theorized that Burrow’s presence in the game wasn’t about rhythm—it was about necessity.

According to Clark, Burrow may already understand that the Bengals will need to score 40 points to win certain games in 2025 because of the defense’s poor outlook.

“When you watch this in the preseason, you have to be sick to your stomach,” he added. “There’s going to be games where you score 35, 38, maybe 41—and you still catch an L.”

Those are harsh words, but they reflect a very real concern: Are the Bengals asking too much from their franchise quarterback while failing to balance the roster with competent defenders?

Bengals Fans Echo Concerns After Preseason Performance

While it’s only the preseason, fans took to social media following the Commanders game to express concerns similar to Clark’s. The Bengals allowed 14 early points to a team resting key starters—raising questions about depth, scheme, and readiness.

Given that 2024’s 8-loss campaign was marred by defensive collapses, seeing more of the same—even in meaningless games—has intensified scrutiny on the coaching staff and front office.

Many fans feel that Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo must produce results this season. Otherwise, they risk becoming the scapegoats for a wasted championship window.

Can the Bengals Fix Their Defense in Time?

Time is running out for the Bengals to make critical adjustments before the regular season begins. While they boast one of the best quarterback-receiver trios in the NFL, the defensive side of the ball continues to lack depth, consistency, and leadership.

If Trey Hendrickson’s deal isn’t finalized soon, the Bengals may enter the season with a gaping hole in their pass rush. Their inability to replace key players from the 2023 defense and failure to draft or sign significant upgrades could prove costly.

Joe Burrow Deserves Better

Few quarterbacks in the league have produced as consistently as Joe Burrow since entering the NFL. From leading Cincinnati to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season to topping the league in passing stats, Burrow has delivered on every expectation.

The question is whether the organization is meeting him halfway.

Locking up Chase and Higgins was a necessary step. But unless the Bengals invest heavily in their defense, they risk repeating history—and possibly losing the trust of their franchise cornerstone.

Bengals Must Act Before It’s Too Late

The ESPN accusation that the Bengals are wasting Joe Burrow’s career may seem extreme to some, but it’s not unfounded. When a quarterback of Burrow’s caliber is putting up MVP-level numbers, anything less than a playoff berth should be seen as failure.

With contract drama looming, a shaky defensive unit, and growing national criticism, the pressure is now on the Cincinnati front office. The 2025 NFL season will reveal whether they’ve learned from last year—or if they’re doomed to repeat it.

For now, Joe Burrow continues to deliver, but for how long can he carry a team without support from the other side of the ball?