Joe Burrow Gets Additional Protection With Bengals’ Major Offensive Signing as NFL Insider Provides Trey Hendrickson Update

Joe Burrow spent more time on his back than a UFC fighter in 2024… (Don’t get all riled up, it’s an exaggeration but a fair one!). I mean, the defenses got the better of the Bengals’ O-line and sacked JB for a total of 48 times. That’s not just a bad stat—it’s a flashing neon sign that Cincy had a major problem up front.

And if you thought things were better overall, think again. They ranked 24th in sacks allowed, 25th in points given up per game, and their run defense? Let’s just say it was as leaky as a roof in a thunderstorm.

So, how do the Bengals fix this? Well, step one: they signed veteran guard Lucas Patrick to a one-year deal. It might get you to scratch your head more than make you say, “WOW!” But at this point, any help for Burrow’s offensive line is like throwing a life vest to a sinking ship.

Patrick is a nine-year vet and started 64 games across stints with the Packers, Bears, and Saints. He’s experienced. Tough. Gritty. That’s the bar nowadays to sign you up to make sure the depth chart stays strong.

For Burrow, at least, injuries to the O-line wouldn’t be his concern anymore because he knows there’s a seasoned campaigner who might take the reins if needed when he’s still running for his life. And let’s not forget—this is the same Joe who tore his ACL in 2020 and missed the back half of 2023 with a wrist injury.

At some point, you have to stop putting your franchise QB behind a patchwork O-line and actually build a fortress.

Lucas Patrick is a start, but is he the solution? That’s TBD. If the Bengals really want to keep Burrow upright and healthy for a full season, this can’t be their only move. Free agency, the draft—whatever it takes, fix the damn line. Because if they don’t, Burrow’s career could end up looking a lot more like Andrew Luck (no disrespect) than the MVP-caliber star he’s meant to be.

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