Joe Burrow Says 'Something Has to Change' Amid Bengals' NFL Playoff Bracket Drought

The Cincinnati Bengals are on their way to the offseason after missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year, and quarterback Joe Burrow is ready for things to change.

"We don't want to be in the spot we are in now, so something's got to change," Burrow told reporters on Wednesday. "Whether it's players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change]."

This year mirrored that of the last few years for the Bengals in that they had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Cincinnati ranks last in yards allowed per game (392.2) and second-to-last in points allowed per game (29.5).

Last year, the Bengals were a bit closer to reaching the playoffs despite a bad defense, but without Burrow on the field for most of the year, the postseason, for the most part, was always going to be a long shot.

When Burrow is healthy, the Bengals have one of the best offensive attacks in the league. But even if he's on the field for all of next season, the team can only go so far with its current defense.