Joe Burrow isn’t just focused on elevating the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense this year. The star quarterback has also taken a proactive role in supporting the team’s defense. Throughout the offseason, Burrow has attended film sessions with defensive players, offering insights and suggestions on how they can improve from his perspective as a quarterback.

Speaking on the Up and Adams show with Kay Adams on Wednesday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor highlighted just how valuable Burrow’s input has been for the entire roster.

“He’s just a tremendous resource, and so shame on you for not using Joe,” said Taylor. “Joe has to go to every player and say, ‘Here’s how I can make you better.’ A lot of it is the ownership in those players to go to Joe.”

Taylor emphasized that Burrow’s approach is all about team development, and that he’s more than willing to share what he sees on the field.

“Joe is an open book. He wants to make everybody better,” Taylor added. “He’ll tell you, ‘Here’s what I saw from you. That made my life a little easier.’”

While the Bengals had standout individual performances last season—most notably from Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks—the team as a whole struggled defensively. Cincinnati ranked 25th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (348.3), a stat that underscores the importance of team-wide improvement.

Joe Burrow isn’t just leading the offense — Zac Taylor says he’s helping the defense too…

Even if it means throwing a pick to his teammate 😅@heykayadams | @Bengals #WhoDey @JoeyB pic.twitter.com/cW71i3cunm

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 5, 2025

After making back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl LVI, the Bengals have now missed the playoffs two years in a row. The team saw veteran defensive end Sam Hubbard retire this offseason, but they’ve also made some promising additions. Linebacker Oren Burks, fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Eagles, joins the roster, as does former Seahawks tight end Noah Fant.

Joe Burrow’s Preseason Outlook

With preseason action looming, questions remain about how much playing time Burrow and the starters will get. According to a report from Sports Illustrated, the Bengals plan to give the starters some reps, but Zac Taylor clarified the approach:

“We don’t have this targeted as the biggest play time for our guys. We really picked Washington to be more of that,” said Taylor. “Another thing I hate to put in stone—a couple of series, several series is what we’ll give those starters.”

The Bengals will first face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, followed by a trip to D.C. to play the Washington Commanders—last season’s NFC finalists. These games will serve as key tests before the regular season begins.

Cincinnati kicks off the 2025 NFL regular season on September 7, with a divisional clash against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.