The Cincinnati Bengals are making big changes for the 2026 season to end their playoff drought. While they have upgraded their defense and leadership, they are now also focusing on fixing the team’s offense. During an interview, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher explained the new strategy to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.

“If you are looking at, ‘How are we going to be a really explosive offense?’ the data would suggest you got to have a component of your offense that allows you to get under center and attack the defense.” Pitcher said. “Truthfully, I believe in what those numbers say, and we are going to have to explore that part of our offense.”

Burrow, as per reports of The Athletic, has completely agreed to Pitcher's claim of having an "explosive" offense.

“We’re trying to find ways to be explosive in the run game and then try to find some things off of that that can get us a couple of easy explosives,” Burrow said. “We’re committed to that."

Last year, the Bengals rarely put quarterback Burrow under center or used play-action passes from that spot. In fact, they ranked near the bottom of the NFL in both categories, and Burrow only had one big, explosive play from that formation over the last three years. 

According to NBC Sports, Cincinnati ranked 31st in under-center rate and 30th in play-action usage over the past three seasons, with Burrow producing only one explosive play off play-action during that stretch.

Few teams have embraced the shotgun formation as heavily as the Bengals. TruMedia data shows Cincinnati used shotgun sets more than any other NFL team during its playoff drought from 2023 through 2025.

Burrow is fully supportive of the new direction being pushed by Pitcher and head coach Zac Taylor. He wants to use the running game to trick defenses and open up easy, downfield plays. 

The Bengals' 2026 roster adds to confidence.

The Bengals have a talented offense moving into the 2026 season

In 2025, Cincinnati spent a huge amount of money to keep its top wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase signed a $161 million deal after an amazing 1,412-yard season.

Tee Higgins got a $115 million contract after scoring 11 touchdowns. Together, they are now the NFL's highest-paid duo. 

With a healthy Burrow, the Bengals plan to run a new offense that will confuse the rival team’s defenses. They have also added a fast rookie named Colbie Young to take the load off their star receivers.

Coach Pitcher said in an interview with ESPN that he believes the rookie will help right away.

“I think he’s going to fight and battle," Pitcher said. "He’s a young player, but there are things that I think he can do quickly and help us."

After three tough years, Cincinnati wants to win again. Burrow is completely ready for the spotlight. Additionally, he has shown complete confidence in his team.

Do you think the Bengals can stand up to the expectations this season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Cincinnati Bengals Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar