PFF makes concerning prediction for Bengals QB Joe Burrow

The Bengals have high aspirations for the 2023 season, but Pro Football Focus doesn't think it will be as smooth sailing for Cincinnati as many believe.

PFF predicts that QB Joe Burrow will remain a top-five most-sacked quarterback in the NFL in 2023.

"Despite significant additions to the offensive line, Joe Burrow continues to take more sacks than he should ... Burrow would rather squeeze every last ounce out of a play than give up on it and live to fight another down," PFF writes. "Orlando Brown Jr. represents another significant addition to the line, but it won't stop Burrow from being Burrow."

In 2022, Burrow was the sixth-most sacked quarterback (41 sacks). In 2021, he was sacked more than any other quarterback (51 sacks).

Cincinnati's offensive line is trending in the right direction after the team put an emphasis on strengthening it the past couple of offseasons, but there is still a ways to go.

Adding Brown Jr. was a great move as he allowed just four sacks in 2022 and helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII. He also came at a steal of a price as the 17th-highest-paid tackle in the NFL.

However, Burrow and the Bengals must figure it out sooner than later as Burrow continues to show up on the injury report.

In training camp, Burrow suffered a calf injury that will sideline him for "several weeks." It seems like the only thing holding this team back these days is keeping Burrow upright.

Playing in maybe the most physical division in the league doesn't help either as Burrow must face two of the league's top edge rushers in Steelers LB T.J. Watt and Browns DE Myles Garrett twice a year.

If PFF is right in its prediction, it could be a long season for Burrow.