Three reasons to be optimistic about the Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow, who's still on a rookie contract, is in line for a massive contract extension.  

2. The remarkable offense

The Bengals have arguably the best receiving trio in the NFL in WRs Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. The three combined for 2,837 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2022.

In 2022, Cincinnati also received major contributions from RB Joe Mixon (814 yards rushing) and TE Hayden Hurst (52 catches for 414 yards). They may add to Burrow's arsenal this offseason.

At least one mock draft has the Bengals selecting Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, who has said his favorite team is Cincinnati and favorite player is Burrow.

Chase, still on a rookie deal, is also in line for a massive contract extension. Could the team lose Higgins or Boyd because of it?

3. Coach continuity

Continuity is underrated in the NFL. Winning teams often lose coaches to other teams. In February, the Eagles' offensive and defensive coordinators became head coaches elsewhere.

However, the Bengals have kept their staff intact. OC Brian Callahan and DC Lou Anarumo were interviewed for head-coaching gigs, but neither landed a position.

If head coach Zac Taylor has his way, he'll be with Cincinnati for a long time.

"They're gonna have to carry me out of here in a casket," he  told HuskerOnline recently.