Heading into the new NFL season, one team fans and analysts are excited about is the Cincinnati Bengals. Led by Joe Burrow, the team has disappointed over the last few years.

However, after a near perfect off-season, many believe the Bengals could be Super Bowl contenders. So, the question arises, do they have exactly what they need to help Burrow hoist the Lombardi?

Well, an ex-Super Bowl winner has weighed in. Willie Colon, who won a ring with the Bengals AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, claims the team's success hinges on one thing. How well the offensive line performs.

"I think it comes down to the big uglies up front, that five. Can they protect them and keep them upright? They signed on Wendell Brown. They signed Dalton Reisner. They've done things to kind of solidify the offensive line. But if that five can keep him upright and allow him to do what he do, man, the Bengals are going to be special."

Colon does have a fair point. Protecting Joe Burrow should be priority No.1 for the Bengals. But, only time will tell if the "big uglies" they have up front are up to the task.

Joe Burrow has been labeled a Top 3 QB by an NFL rival

Whether the defense turns up or the offensive line does it's job doesn't matter at the end of the day though. Joe Burrow's performances on the field will be what determine if the Bengals win a Super Bowl.

When healthy, he's an exceptional player, one of the best in the league, and rivals agree. In fact, one player who will be looking to sack him as much as possible has labeled him as a Top 3 QB heading into the season.

Micah Parsons recently spoke about Burrow on his podcast and heaped on the praise. He had nothing but great things to say about the 29-year-old, and spoke highly about his style of play.

Hopefully, Burrow can stay healthy this season and perhaps even battle it out with Parsons, should both the Bengals and Packers reach the Super Bowl.

Written by

Joseph Nithin