Cincinnati Bengals OK. Long way from Super Bowl standard | Williams

The Cincinnati Bengals have started the 2021 NFL season with their best five-game stretch since 2021. They improved to a 3-2 record after a 31-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins on October 11th. However, while the win is positive news, the team is not as good as many anticipated they would be. The Bengals are currently OK, potentially wild card-team level, but are far from being Super Bowl contenders alongside Buffalo, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Jacksonville.

Quarterback Joe Burrow emphasized during training camp that this season was a championship-or-bust moment. The Bengals' defense must improve significantly to face strong contenders like Buffalo, Kansas City, and Baltimore, who all had top-5 rushing offenses. The team's special teams also need better performance, as seen with a muffed punt and roughing penalty that cost them against Pittsburgh.

The Bengals aim to balance their offense by increasing their rushing attempts, which could help Burrow stop being solely reliant on passing and assist coach Zac Taylor in potentially saving his job. If the Bengals can achieve this balance, they may become Super Bowl contenders by the end of the season.