The expectations for the Cincinnati Bengals are higher than ever right now. Sports Illustrated writer Albert Breer took a close look at the team and all the buzz surrounding them, especially after the huge roster changes they made around star quarterback Joe Burrow. The analyst sees Burrow being a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.

On July 20, in one of his SI reports about the biggest NFL storylines to watch as training camp starts, Breer shared his optimism for Cincinnati.

“Count me among those who can see a world in which Burrow is the best quarterback in football this year and the Bengals are in the Super Bowl,” Breer wrote. “Perhaps against those same [Los Angels] Rams they faced in that same stadium on that same stage they climbed on in February 2022.” 

Breer, in his SI report, sees Burrow leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl as the league's best quarterback.

He thinks a Super Bowl LVI rematch against the Los Angeles Rams is very possible. Especially after the Bengals worked hard to surround Burrow with top-tier talent. 

Cincinnati completely changed its usual approach this offseason to boost the defense. They traded for star defender Dexter Lawrence II in hopes that he would completely transform their defense.

Additionally, they have also signed strong free agents like safety Bryan Cook and pass rusher Boye Mafe. Lawrence had racked up 31 tackles. This season, they are counting on the two-time Super Bowl winner Cook, who gathered 85 tackles last season.

It has been four years since the Bengals made their surprise run to Super Bowl LVI, and three years since their last playoff appearance. During the 2021 season, the Bengals ranked No.17 in defense. After they dipped to No.31 last season, they made offseason additions to bolster the defense.

With a healthy Burrow leading a revamped team, Breer believes this is the year for Cincinnati to turn around its losing streak.

NFL analyst makes a striking comparison of Joe Burrow with that of Tom Brady

Joe Burrow has been the star of the Cincinnati Bengals since being picked first overall in 2020. When healthy, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

 A Sports Illustrated analyst has shown faith in Burrow and compared him to legend Tom Brady. Breer noted on the NBC Boston Show on July 22.

"I think Burrow is the closest ascendant to Brady. Just as far as the way he plays in big games,” he said. “His play style. When he's been in there, he's been one of the best quarterbacks in football." 

Critics constantly point out Burrow's history of injuries. But considering his stats throughout his career, the numbers are remarkable.

Burrow has thrown for over 20,810 passing yards, 157 passing touchdowns, and 51 interceptions over 77 regular-season games. He holds the highest pass completion percentage in NFL history. 

As the 2026 season begins, Burrow aims to stay healthy, put the injury doubts behind him, and prove once again that he belongs at the top. His first test is on September 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What are your thoughts on Breer's take on the Bengals and Burrow? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar