ESPN Insider Outlines Bengals' Need for More Big Plays

Analyst says Cincinnati must recapture explosive offense to contend for Super Bowl

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An ESPN reporter detailed the Cincinnati Bengals' need to regain their big-play ability on offense in order to return to Super Bowl contention. The Bengals' rate of plays gaining 20+ yards has plummeted in recent seasons, even with star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The team must find ways to get the ball downfield to its playmakers, as top playoff teams have shown the importance of explosive plays.

Why it matters

The Bengals' lack of downfield passing has been a major factor in their inability to reach the Super Bowl in recent years, despite having one of the NFL's most talented receiving corps. Recapturing that big-play potential could be the key to Cincinnati getting back to the championship level it reached in 2021.

The details

According to the ESPN report, the Bengals' rate of plays gaining 20+ yards has plummeted since their Super Bowl appearance in 2021, even when quarterback Joe Burrow has been healthy. Opponents have limited Burrow's ability to find Chase and Higgins deep downfield. However, the two star receivers have still put up strong individual numbers, with Chase earning All-Pro honors and Higgins making the Pro Bowl. Burrow has praised the coaching staff's efforts to get the ball to his top targets, but the team needs to rediscover its big-play ability to truly contend.

  • The Bengals reached the Super Bowl in 2021.
  • Over the past few seasons, the Bengals' rate of big plays has declined.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback who has been limited in his ability to connect with receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins downfield in recent seasons.

Ja'Marr Chase

The Bengals' star wide receiver who was named First Team All-Pro in 2025 after a season with 125 catches for 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Tee Higgins

The Bengals' other star wide receiver who had 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“You can't just let teams double (Chase and Higgins) and then say, 'Those guys are out of the game plan now.' They're too good of players to think that way. You still have to find ways to get them the ball.”

— Joe Burrow (ESPN)

“One big thing the Cincinnati Bengals did in 2021, when the team reached the Super Bowl, was something the best teams this season also had in common–They created big plays.”

— Ben Baby, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to regain their big-play ability in the 2026 season in order to return to Super Bowl contention.

The takeaway

The Bengals' lack of explosive plays on offense has been a major factor in their recent struggles, despite having one of the NFL's most talented receiving corps. Recapturing that big-play potential will be crucial for Cincinnati to get back to the championship level it reached in 2021.