Revamped Offensive Line Is Poised to Protect Joe Burrow

It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals need to do a better job of protecting their biggest investment in franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. The team has fallen remarkably short in this area and has never provided Burrow with adequate security as he heads into his sixth year in the NFL. This failure is especially true from the interior of the offensive line, as the Bengals don’t value guards like most successful teams do. The orange and black overhauled many facets of their coaching staff this offseason, and the OL gets a new face and a fresh perspective in Scott Peters, replacing the departed Frank Pollack. He brings a unique “strike system” and sense of nastiness that is needed in the uber-physical AFC North. Cincinnati also slightly dipped into free agency, bringing in veteran Lucas Patrick to compete with Cody Ford at right guard. The last piece of the puzzle was hopefully filled in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Bengals selected Dylan Fairchild from Georgia, who is likely to start at left guard. Let’s examine these three aspects in more depth.

The Scott Peters Effect

Peters is well-respected in NFL circles and comes with his MMA background that likely turned heads for some veterans who now reside in his room. The early returns seem overwhelmingly positive, and Fairchild is well-versed in this system and noted to excel at a pre-draft visit with the team. Peters spent 2024 with the New England Patriots and was with the Cleveland Browns from 2020-2023 under the tutelage of renowned OL coach Bill Callahan whom the Bengals are very familiar. Peters has a big job in front of him, but he seems up to the task of rebuilding an OL that is under tremendous pressure in 2025.

Dylan Fairchild

Fairchild was very high on the Bengals’ wish list in April, and they are thrilled to have him to help bolster the left side of the line. The former Bulldog is impressive both physically and mentally, and the early returns have Burrow and former teammate Amarius Mims ecstatic, as he stated last month, “Strongest dude I ever met in my life. Pound for pound. He has that factor about him. Not just in a game, but in regular life. I feel bad if he gets his hand on a regular pedestrian just walking down the street. If it’s not a football player, he’ll probably (do damage).”

Cincinnati will get Fairchild plenty of snaps and run with the first team in training camp and the preseason, with the expectation he will stay on track to develop into a plus starter sooner rather than later.

Lucas Patrick / Cody Ford

The Patrick or Ford conundrum is a sensitive area for Bengals fans who feel the team didn’t do enough with other quality candidates out there on the right side. It will be interesting to see if Peters has one ranked higher than the other when training camp rolls around in late July. If one emerges and plays well, the men and stripes could be well-positioned to make another deep run in the playoffs.