Bengals' Higgins and Brown Vow 'Motivated' and 'Hyper-Focused' Mindset for 2026

Star players discuss team's determination to return to playoffs after three straight misses

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:31am

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In an exclusive interview, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and running back Chase Brown expressed the team's focused and driven mindset heading into the 2026 NFL season. After missing the playoffs for three straight years, the Bengals are determined to bounce back and recapture their past success, with Higgins describing the team as "hyper-focused" and Brown saying they'll be "motivated" to control their own playoff destiny.

Why it matters

The Bengals were on the cusp of building a dynasty just a few years ago, but a combination of injuries, roster turnover, and bad luck has kept them out of the playoffs since 2022. This interview provides insight into the mentality of the team's core offensive stars as they look to lead Cincinnati back to the postseason in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Higgins and Brown emphasized the Bengals' unity and collective commitment to growth and competitiveness in the tough AFC North division, which will feature three new head coaches this season. They believe the team's continuity on offense, with key players like Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Joe Burrow all under long-term contracts, will be a major advantage as they look to "put it together as a whole, as a team." Brown also highlighted the importance of the Bengals winning the close, one-score games that have doomed them the past two seasons.

  • The Bengals have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, from 2023 to 2025.
  • Higgins and Brown were interviewed ahead of Super Bowl LV in 2026.

The players

Tee Higgins

A star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who recently signed a long-term contract extension to remain with the team.

Chase Brown

A breakout running back for the Cincinnati Bengals who is expected to be in line for a contract extension this offseason.

Ja'Marr Chase

A star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who also signed a long-term deal to stay in Cincinnati last offseason.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' franchise quarterback who signed a mega-extension back in the 2023 offseason.

Mike Gesicki

A tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals who signed a long-term deal to remain with the team last offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I definitely think it will be more on the 'hyper-focused' side, you know, other than pissed off. Obviously, we're pretty upset that we haven't made the playoffs in a long time, but I think it's more hyper-focused because most of the guys on the offensive side of the ball are coming back.”

— Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver

“We'll be motivated, man. I've had two years where our playoff hopes haven't been in our control, so that's definitely a focus this coming season is being in control, start fast and winning those games that matter—which is every single one.”

— Chase Brown, Running Back

What’s next

The Bengals will look to build on the momentum and mindset expressed by Higgins and Brown as they prepare for the 2026 season. Key offseason priorities will likely include securing contract extensions for Brown and other core players, as well as addressing any roster needs through the draft and free agency.

The takeaway

After three straight seasons of playoff misses, the Bengals' offensive stars are displaying a renewed sense of purpose and determination to return the team to the postseason. With the core of their offense locked up long-term, Cincinnati appears poised to make a run at the AFC North title and beyond, provided they can translate their 'hyper-focused' and 'motivated' mindset into on-field success.