Baby notes that in 2021, when Cincinnati reached the Super Bowl, the strongest teams shared a common trait: the ability to create big plays. He points out that three of the four conference finalists this season were among the leaders in 20-plus-yard plays, including the Seattle Seahawks, who advanced to the Super Bowl LX.
The analysis adds that the Bengals have been less explosive down the field in recent seasons, a decline that persists even when quarterback Joe Burrow has been on the field. “The Bengals’ rate of big plays has plummeted, even when quarterback Joe Burrow has been healthy. Opponents have limited Burrow’s ability to find star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on downfield targets,” Baby writes.
Despite the downfield struggles, Chase and Higgins have still delivered strong individual numbers. Chase posted a vintage 2025 season with 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, while Higgins had 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 scores in 15 games, underscoring their continued impact when targeted.
Burrow has publicly praised the coaching staff for finding ways to get Chase and Higgins the ball, even in challenging game plans. “Burrow praised the way coach Zac Taylor and his staff have been able to find ways to get Chase and Higgins the ball,” Baby states, highlighting the coaching creativity behind the production.
Historically, Cincinnati’s 20-plus-yard play rate ranked sixth in 2021, but rankings in the following years fell to 17th, 27th, 21st, and 20th. The path back to contention, Baby suggests, hinges on regaining that big-play capability that powered the Super Bowl run.
In short, for the Bengals to re-enter the Super Bowl conversation, restoring explosive plays and downfield efficiency will be essential. If Cincinnati can re-embrace those big plays, the team could once again position itself among the contenders in future playoff runs.
