Orlando Brown Jr.: I feel Bengals have the best pass protection unit in the NFL

Orlando Brown Jr. believes the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense will be ready to protect Joe Burrow as the team attempts a playoff return for the first time since 2022. While defensive upgrades have dominated the offseason focus, Brown says the unit is equally important for keeping Burrow safe against opposing pass rushers. Speaking on the Locked on Bengals podcast, the left tackle—one of five returning offensive-line starters—said the team has “the best pass protection unit in the NFL” based on week-to-week performance. He pointed to “circumstances,” including that Cincinnati played with three different quarterbacks last season, which complicated protections and continuity. Brown also cited the lack of a consistent run game as a factor, arguing that improvements there would make it harder to slow the Bengals offense in 2026.