Joe Burrow gives short one-word answer on what must change for Bengals to contend

He’s not wrong.

The Cincinnati Bengals are 1-4.

If you were a fan and looked at their schedule of the first month-plus games, you would likely have pegged them at 4-1 and beating teams like the Commanders, Panthers, and Patriots with ease, then maybe splitting one of two against the Ravens and Chiefs.

Well, that didn’t happen.

The Bengals have been among the most disappointing franchises in the NFL this season, and they are 1-4 entering Week 6. What’s even worse is that Joe Burrow, the Bengals quarterback, has been among the best in the league this season.

When asked what must change for this team to get back to contending form, he gave a short one-word answer: “Everything.”

And, to be quite frank, he’s not wrong. Everything must change.

Here’s his press conference after the first practice of Week 6.

The Bengals face the Giants in a Week 6 primetime game. Barring any drastic changes, they should close as a road favorite. Let’s just say the defense needs to step up for the Bengals to avoid a catastrophic 1-5 start.

Everything must improve, but some parts must step up more than others.