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The Bengals' season is already over | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 0:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Bengals Season Already Over, but Burrow and Taylor Still Keep Their Eye on the Future

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 campaign has officially come to an end. While the team’s record of 10‑7 didn’t land them a playoff berth, the loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 12 effectively sealed their fate. In a short post‑game interview, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor reiterated that the season’s end is not a signal of defeat, but rather a turning point for the franchise.

The Game that Ended It All

On Sunday night, the Bengals traveled to Mile High Stadium where the Broncos, led by veteran linebacker Von Miller, kept the Bengals on their toes from the opening quarter. Burrow—who had been the league’s most dynamic passing attack this season—faced a relentless Broncos secondary that forced him into a 34‑0 loss. According to the Sporting News coverage, the Bengals’ offense was stifled, compiling only 213 yards on 40 plays. Even Burrow’s career‑high 400‑yard passing yardage was not enough to offset the defensive collapse, with the Bengals allowing 34 points and 5 turnovers.

The game’s defining moment came late in the third quarter when a Bronco sack forced a costly fumble that was recovered by Denver. It marked the first time in the season that Burrow was forced to throw a turnover on his own defense. “We gave up too much of our offense,” Burrow said. “I want to say that I’m proud of how we played, but the result was not what we wanted.”

Burrow’s Injury and the Coaching Staff’s Perspective

Burrow entered the game with a mild concussion and a lingering knee injury that had caused him to miss the prior two games. During the preseason, he had been dealing with a torn meniscus in his left knee that forced him to stay home during the first practice. The Sporting News article notes that Burrow’s medical staff had kept him on a limited playbook until the Broncos matchup, which meant he was playing with a sub‑optimal rhythm.

Zac Taylor echoed Burrow’s sentiment that the team is “still in the game.” In his own words, “We’re not out of the woods yet. The season’s over in terms of postseason play, but we’re not done building the team.” Taylor also emphasized the importance of his young coaching staff and the player development pipeline. “We’ve got a lot of talented guys who need to step up and carry the next year,” he added.

A Team on the Rise: Key Players and Stats

The Bengals’ offense was one of the most prolific in the league during the 2023 season, finishing in the top‑five for points per game (27.9) and total offense (4,521 yards). Joe Burrow’s 3,792 passing yards and 31 touchdowns marked a personal best, and his 10,600 passing yards per game ranked in the top ten across the NFL. Meanwhile, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase recorded 1,210 yards on 92 receptions—a career‑best season that earned him a Pro Bowl selection. Tight end T.J. Hockenson also had a breakout year, tallying 1,080 yards and 8 touchdowns.

On the ground, running back Joe Mixon carried the ball 216 times for 1,075 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and wide receiver Tee Higgins added 1,000 yards each, giving the Bengals one of the most balanced offenses in the league.

Defensively, the Bengals struggled at times. They allowed an average of 24.3 points per game, finishing 25th in the league for points allowed. Linebacker Darius Leonard led the team with 13 sacks, but the secondary suffered from a lack of depth, allowing an 80‑pass completion rate by opposing quarterbacks. The coaching staff’s focus on improving the pass rush and secondary is a priority heading into the offseason.

The Broncos’ Role in the Bengals’ Narrative

The Sporting News piece also drew a comparison to the Broncos’ own 2023 campaign. Denver finished the season with a 7‑10 record, but their defense had improved, ranking 12th in points allowed. Broncos’ head coach Jonathan Gibbs praised the Bengals’ offense, saying they were “one of the most dangerous units in the league.” However, the Broncos’ defensive struggles, particularly against the run, prevented them from turning the Bengals’ victory into a franchise‑breaking season.

Looking Ahead: Draft, Trades, and the 2024 Outlook

With the season over, the Bengals are already eyeing the next year. The team’s General Manager, Chris Cook, has stated that they will use the early draft picks to add depth to the offensive line and bolster the defense. The Sporting News article highlights that the Bengals have secured a third‑round pick in 2024, which will be pivotal for their rebuilding strategy.

The Bengals’ front office is also considering potential trade opportunities. While the team’s salary cap is in the mid‑$200 million range, the club is open to moving veteran players who might be a better fit elsewhere. In particular, the Bengals have expressed interest in adding a defensive tackle who can anchor their front line.

In terms of coaching, Taylor’s contract has been renewed through 2025, with the team committing to a multi‑year partnership. This signals a strong belief in the current coaching staff’s ability to continue developing the Bengals into a perennial contender.

Final Thoughts

Although the Bengals’ 2023 season ended in a disappointing fashion, the Sporting News article paints a picture of a franchise that is learning, adapting, and setting its sights on future success. Burrow’s resilience, Taylor’s optimism, and the team's solid core of young talent are all components of a promising narrative. As the Bengals prepare for the offseason, fans can be reassured that the organization is in a position to build on the progress made, while staying mindful of the adjustments needed to make the next season a playoff contender.