Bengals Veteran Delivers Statement That Will Make Joe Burrow Happy

Quarterback Joe Burrow is preparing for his seventh season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Since being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he's led Cincinnati to one Super Bowl appearance and earned three Pro Bowl nods.

Unfortunately, over the past several years, injuries have become a concern. He missed seven games in 2023, and this past season he missed nine games after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2.

While he was able to return in 2025 and put together a performance worthy of a Pro Bowl nod, the Bengals are striving to keep him healthy.

As a quarterback, one of the biggest threats to Burrow's health is taking hits in the pocket. Luckily, his offensive linemen have an abundance of confidence going into the 2026 season. Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. claimed that Cincinnati has one of the NFL's best pass-protecting units.

"I really think, and I say this confidently, I really feel like we got the best pass protection unit in the NFL," Brown said during an app appearance on "Locked on Bengals." "There isn't a lot of groups that could come do what we do on a week-to-week basis and have the success that we've had, especially with the circumstances. As you guys know, pass protection is the hardest thing to do in the sport in my opinion. Probably outside of a few other things like playing quarterback and man-to-man coverage at corner."

Orlando Brown Jr. Says the Bengals Have the BEST Pass Pro in the NFL #bengals#orlandobrownjr#nflpic.twitter.com/kXI4ZtcvQw

— Locked On Bengals (@lockedonbengals) July 13, 2026

It's an optimistic perspective from Brown. Last season, the Bengals relied on a starting unit of Brown (17 starts), left guard Dylan Fairchild (15 starts), center Ted Karras (17 starts), right guard Dalton Risner (11 starts) and right tackle Amarius Mims (17 starts).

Together, they had their ups and downs protecting quarterbacks. Last season, Cincinnati allowed a total of 36 sacks, which was the 19th most of any team. After not making many offensive line additions this past offseason, the Bengals are expected to use the same core, according to a depth chart from ESPN.

While Brown is confident, the Bengals' offensive line will ultimately be judged by how well it protects Burrow. Much of their success during 2026 may depend on their ability to do so.

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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 12:15 PM.