Bengals Seek Return to Super Bowl Contention With Big Plays

ESPN analyst says Cincinnati needs to rediscover its explosive offense to get back to the top.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled to return to the playoffs and Super Bowl contention since their 2021 Super Bowl run. ESPN's Ben Baby argues the key for the Bengals to get back as a top contender is to rediscover their big-play ability on offense, which has declined in recent seasons. The Bengals were one of the most explosive offenses in 2021 but have since fallen to the bottom half of the league in generating plays of 20 yards or more. If they can recapture that big-play potential with quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals could quickly return to being a serious Super Bowl threat.

Why it matters

The Bengals' offense was a major reason for their Super Bowl appearance in 2021, but that explosiveness has waned in the years since. Regaining that big-play ability could be the difference between the Bengals being a fringe playoff team and a true Super Bowl contender once again.

The details

Since their 2021 Super Bowl run, the Bengals have struggled to generate the same number of 20-yard-plus plays that made their offense so dangerous. In 2021, they ranked 6th in the NFL in percentage of offensive plays that gained 20 or more yards, but have since fallen to 17th, 27th, 21st, and 20th in the following seasons. The inconsistent health of quarterback Joe Burrow has played a factor, but the overall offense hasn't been able to produce the same level of explosive plays that helped them reach the Super Bowl.

  • The Bengals ended the 2025 season in disappointment, falling well short of the NFL playoffs.
  • Since their Super Bowl run in 2021, the Bengals have struggled to return to the playoffs and the height of the Joe Burrow era.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback, who led the team to the Super Bowl in 2021 but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the years since.

Ja'Marr Chase

The Bengals' star wide receiver, who was a key part of the team's explosive offense in 2021.

Tee Higgins

Another talented wide receiver for the Bengals, who has formed a dangerous duo with Ja'Marr Chase.

Ben Baby

An ESPN analyst who argues the Bengals need to rediscover their big-play ability to return to Super Bowl contention.

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What they’re saying

“Cincinnati Bengals need to get back to their big-play ways,”

— Ben Baby, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

If the Bengals can begin to generate more big plays in 2026, they should be in a better spot to not only return to the playoffs but also be a serious Super Bowl contender.

The takeaway

Regaining their explosive, big-play offense could be the key for the Cincinnati Bengals to return to Super Bowl contention after a disappointing stretch since their 2021 appearance. With the talent of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, the Bengals have the pieces to once again become one of the NFL's most dangerous offenses if they can rediscover that big-play ability.