Bengals' Duke Tobin after third straight season missing playoffs: 'All I can do is work us out of it'

The Cincinnati Bengals continue to face challenges after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, following a 6-11 record in 2025. Duke Tobin, the Bengals' director of player personnel, expressed confidence in the team's talent despite the disappointing season. Injuries to key players, including quarterback Joe Burrow and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, have been significant factors in their struggles. Burrow missed nine games in 2025 and previously sat out seven games in 2023. In 2024, even with Burrow playing every game, the Bengals failed to make the playoffs, partly due to a struggling defense.

Defensive performance has been a critical issue, ranking 30th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed this season under defensive coordinator Al Golden. The defense showed some improvement late in the season but was still largely ineffective. The Bengals fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after last season's poor performance.

Despite the challenges, the Bengals have significant cap