Bengals finally getting respect:

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-29-2023, 07:10 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Recent Power Rankings:
The Athletic
2. Cincinnati Bengals 
Aside from Tom Brady, no starting quarterback got rid of the ball quicker than Joe Burrow’s average time to throw of 2.4 seconds in 2022. Part of that was the continued development of one of the league’s best quarterbacks, part was the design of protecting an improving but still questionable pass-protecting offensive line. As a result, Burrow’s downfield attempts (defined here as at least 30 air yards) dropped from 34 in 2021 to 16 in 2022. Enter Orlando Brown Jr., who landed in Cincinnati as a surprise to all. Now things are set up for Burrow to be just as dangerous downfield as in the quick passing game.


ESPN:
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Way-too-early ranking: 4
Top under-the-radar move: Signing offensive lineman Cody Ford
Cincinnati's depth along the offensive line was tested in the postseason, with three backups playing in the AFC title loss to Kansas City. Adding Ford, who will be an offensive tackle, at the very least upgrades the depth in a room that now includes left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Ford could emerge as a potential swing tackle option or even be in the mix as a potential right tackle, depending on what happens with Jonah Williams. -- Ben Baby
The Sporting News:
2. Cincinnati Bengals (3)
The Bengals took some defensive hits but are adjusting well to needing to pay Joe Burrow big-time soon. They are following the Chiefs' blueprint with Mahomes to know which positions are most important to winning big a lot more with Burrow and which are most replaceable



NFL.com
Rank 3
Cincinnati Bengals
2022 record: 12-4
Previous rank: No. 3

The free agency period started quietly ... then came the big splash. A 6-foot-8, 340-pound splash named Orlando Brown Jr. The four-time Pro Bowler, fresh off a Super Bowl-winning season blocking for Patrick Mahomes, will now attempt to reach the NFL mountaintop with Joe Burrow. The move turns one of the team's biggest weaknesses (incumbent left tackle Jonah Williams struggled before going down with a knee injury in the playoffs) into a position of strength. "For them to believe in me as a left tackle was enough," Brown said of the Bengals in his opening press conference. "I'm willing to put my life on the line for that." That's the guy you want protecting your blind side!

Even though they are professionals, I still love when they feel "disrespected".  That being said, it is awesome to feel the love for what they are building and that Burrow is a bona fide star.