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The NFL is set to open training camps for all 32 teams, and preseason football is just around the corner. Several playoff-caliber teams missed the postseason in 2025, including the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals made a major offseason move to bolster their defense while quietly strengthening the rest of the unit. However, one position group that continues to face scrutiny is the offensive line. Despite that criticism, one Bengals veteran believes the unit is now the best in the NFL.
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Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. made that declaration during an appearance on the Locked On Bengals Podcast.
“I really think, and I say this confidently, I really feel like we got the best pass protection unit in the NFL,” Brown said. “Pass protection is the hardest thing to do in the sport in my opinion, probably outside of a few other things like playing quarterback and man-to-man coverage at corner outside.”
The Bengals’ offensive line has improved steadily since 2023. That season, the unit allowed 50 sacks. Last year, it surrendered just 36. Brown’s confidence is understandable, but it’s still a bold claim.
Now, Brown and the rest of the offensive line will have to back it up.
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Cincinnati enters 2026 with a clear Super Bowl window thanks to a retooled defense and an offensive line that has shown consistent progress. If Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Bengals have the talent to emerge as legitimate contenders.
Much of that success will depend on Brown and Amarius Mims. The AFC North features some of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, making strong tackle play essential.
Brown, in particular, needs to elevate his performance after allowing nine sacks in 2025. As Burrow’s blindside protector, that’s a number the Bengals need to see decrease.
If Brown’s confidence in the offensive line is justified, that progress should be evident throughout the 2026 season. If not, his comments could quickly become social media fodder for critics.
Will the Bengals’ offensive line live up to Brown’s confident declaration?
