Happy optimism season to one and all. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to the Super Bowl, Joe Burrow is winning MVP, Dexter Lawrence is earning another All-Pro nod, the city is considering capping Fort Washington Way and Harambe is back in the news and being honored.Seems even the impossible is possible right now.On that note, let’s dive into your questions. The Bengals are pretty boring right now, which is a welcome departure from this time last year, when Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart and the stadium lease were dominating headlines.Still, with OTAs starting next week through mandatory minicamp June 16-18, there are plenty of questions.Let’s dive in. Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.Andrew Whitworth indicated last year that Joe B. would need to change his style of play to stay healthy. Whit’s point is that any offensive line would struggle to keep Joe safe under the current scheme and Joe’s mentality. The team invested to create a contending team this year. Do you think Joe changes his style with an eye on less risk and better health? The best ability is availability. — Patrick J.Whit authored one of my favorite conversations from all of last season in the wake of Burrow’s toe injury in Week 2. We talked about the Bengals’ investments in the offensive line, difficulties inherent in this system and Burrow’s propensity to find big plays when things break down rather than ensure he lives to play another day.It’s a fascinating piece to go back and read now after what transpired last season and the excitement over the offensive line this offseason.Keep this in mind before we dive deeper. The vast majority of quarterbacks in the NFL can cook from a clean pocket. With Burrow not pressured and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the field the last two years, his EPA/dropback is an electric 0.37, which would rank top five in the league. The more the Bengals create those conditions, the better the chances of leading the league in offense, obviously.Here’s the ranking over the last two years of the top quarterbacks in EPA/play when pressured (min. 250 plays). It shows where the real money gets made in the NFL.1. Josh Allen: -.03
Joe Burrow’s playing style, Ring of Honor, Zac Taylor’s hot seat: Bengals mailbag
Cincinnati's coaches need to balance their QB's big-play ability with playing it safe when it makes sense.















