The Cincinnati Bengals have enjoyed a period of sustained success in recent years, punctuated by their dramatic run to Super Bowl LVI in 2022. This resurgence was driven by the emergence of quarterback Joe Burrow, an elite passing game led by wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and a rapidly improving defense. After a relatively slow start to the 2023 season, the Bengals showed signs of recovery, particularly as Burrow got healthier and their offense regained its rhythm. However, despite this progress, the team’s lack of action at the NFL trade deadline on October 31, 2023, raised questions about their willingness to make the moves necessary to compete for a championship.

In this article, we will explore the Bengals’ progress during the 2023 season, the challenges they face, and why their inactivity at the trade deadline could ultimately hold them back from reaching their full potential in the postseason.

### 1. **A Slow Start to 2023: Injuries and Growing Pains**

The 2023 season began with much optimism surrounding the Bengals. Joe Burrow, after signing a historic contract extension in the offseason, was expected to build on his impressive 2022 campaign. However, things quickly went awry. Burrow, who was recovering from a calf injury sustained during training camp, was clearly hampered in the early weeks of the season. His struggles were reflected in the team’s performance, as they opened the season with two consecutive losses, including an embarrassing defeat to the Cleveland Browns.

By the time Week 4 arrived, the Bengals sat at 1-3, and the outlook was bleak. Burrow’s injury, coupled with offensive line struggles and inconsistent play from key skill positions, had stunted the offense’s growth. Head coach Zac Taylor found himself under increasing pressure to turn things around, especially with the team’s high expectations heading into the year.

### 2. **The Bengals’ Resurgence: Recovery and Renewed Optimism**

Despite their early-season struggles, the Bengals began to show signs of life as the calendar turned to October. Joe Burrow, after taking a cautious approach with his injury, began to regain his mobility and form. His connection with Ja’Marr Chase became more lethal, and Tee Higgins, despite battling injuries of his own, was still a constant threat in the passing game. Burrow’s ability to stretch the field and find his playmakers downfield returned, and the offense began to click.

Defensively, the Bengals had remained solid throughout the early season, despite not having the same level of dominance they displayed in 2022. The secondary, anchored by standout cornerbacks like Chidobe Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt, played relatively well. The defensive line, bolstered by the offseason addition of linebacker Germaine Pratt and the continued presence of defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, remained potent against the run and in pressuring the quarterback.

By midseason, the Bengals had clawed their way back to a 4-3 record, with their offense looking more like the high-powered unit that had taken them to the Super Bowl just a year prior. With Burrow healthy and the offensive line slowly improving, the team began to appear poised to make a push for the playoffs.

### 3. **The Trade Deadline: An Opportunity Missed**

With the Bengals riding a wave of momentum heading into the trade deadline, many fans and analysts expected the front office to make a move to bolster the team further, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Despite their strong defensive play overall, the Bengals had vulnerabilities—especially in their depth at linebacker and cornerback. Additionally, the offensive line, while improved, was still not the juggernaut needed to protect Burrow against elite pass-rushing teams.

The NFL trade deadline had the potential to be a pivotal moment for Cincinnati. There were several marquee players available who could have been ideal targets for the Bengals. For example, players like linebacker J.J. Watt (who had made noise about his availability) or cornerback Patrick Surtain II could have been transformative additions. At the very least, the Bengals could have shored up their depth by trading for a solid rotational piece.

Yet, when the deadline passed, the Bengals stood pat. No major trades were made, and no big-name players were brought in to reinforce the roster. This decision raised eyebrows across the league, particularly given the team’s aspirations to compete for a Super Bowl.

### 4. **The Case for Inaction: Reasons Behind the Bengals’ Approach**

To understand the Bengals’ decision to remain inactive at the trade deadline, it’s important to consider the broader context. There are several reasons why the Bengals may have chosen to hold firm rather than make a move:

#### **a. Financial Constraints**
The Bengals, historically known for being one of the more conservative teams in terms of spending, have a limited salary cap space to work with. Joe Burrow’s massive contract extension, which tied up a significant portion of their salary cap, left them with little room to make a high-profile acquisition without further weakening their future financial flexibility. Given this constraint, the team likely decided that making a trade for a big-ticket player was not the most prudent decision.

#### **b. Trust in the Existing Roster**
The Bengals front office likely believes in the talent already present on the roster. While they have some glaring needs, they also have a nucleus of stars in Burrow, Chase, and the defense. The team’s strategy has often been to develop talent internally, and they may have viewed any trade acquisitions as unnecessary disruptions to their overall team chemistry.

#### **c. Risk of Short-Term Moves**
The Bengals may have been wary of sacrificing future draft picks or resources for short-term gains. Given the unpredictability of the NFL, especially when it comes to injury risks and the pressure of high-stakes trades, they may have felt that making a trade at this juncture wasn’t worth the potential long-term cost. After all, the Bengals had made it to the Super Bowl with a relatively similar roster in 2022 and might have believed they could do so again with their current core.

#### **d. The Burrow Factor**
A significant factor in the Bengals’ inaction could be the belief that once Burrow returned to full health, the team would naturally improve. Given Burrow’s talent, the front office may have been confident that, once fully mobile, he could carry the team on his back. The Bengals have seen what Burrow is capable of, and they may have felt that the team’s early-season struggles would be resolved as Burrow continued to heal.

### 5. **Potential Pitfalls of Standing Pat**

While the Bengals’ decision to stay quiet at the trade deadline can be justified on several fronts, it also comes with potential downsides that could be exposed in the later part of the season:

#### **a. Playoff Depth Concerns**
As the Bengals get deeper into the season, the lack of depth at key positions could prove to be a liability. The defensive secondary, while solid, does not have the depth of a top-tier contender. A trade for an experienced cornerback or linebacker could have added valuable depth, especially as teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens continue to improve.

#### **b. Offensive Line Vulnerabilities**
While the offensive line has improved from 2022, it’s still not a unit that is fully capable of keeping Burrow protected against elite pass rushes. The Bengals could have potentially made a move to acquire an experienced offensive lineman who could contribute immediately, giving Burrow better protection as they make a postseason push.

#### **c. Missed Opportunity to Keep Up with Competitors**
Several other AFC contenders made significant moves at the trade deadline. The Baltimore Ravens, for instance, strengthened their defense, while the Buffalo Bills added help to their running game. The Bengals, by not making a move, might find themselves at a disadvantage against teams that have actively strengthened their rosters.

### 6. **Looking Ahead: Will Inaction Cost the Bengals in the Long Run?**

The Bengals’ decision to stand pat at the trade deadline may prove to be a smart long-term move if they are able to maintain their momentum and stay healthy. The team’s offensive firepower, when fully functional, is among the most dynamic in the NFL, and their defense remains solid. However, the longer they go without adding reinforcements, the greater the risk that they will fall behind teams that have been more aggressive in improving their rosters.

As of now, the Bengals appear to be in a strong position to make a playoff run, but whether they have enough to get past the league’s elite teams remains to be seen. The trade deadline passed without the Bengals making any bold moves, but their success in the second half of the season will depend on the health of their stars, the performance of their offensive line, and whether they can continue to overcome their depth concerns.

Ultimately, while the Bengals have made notable progress since the start of the season, their failure to act at the trade deadline may prove to be a missed opportunity. Whether this decision holds them back or proves to be a wise move in the long run will only be determined as the season unfolds and the playoff race intensifies.