As the Bengals head into the 2026 season, star wide receiver Tee Higgins and breakout running back Chase Brown gave us a clear window into the team’s mentality during recent interviews with the Cincy Jungle and Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast.
We asked the duo, who joined us via Bounty Paper Towels ahead of Super Bowl LV, about this team’s mindset heading into 2026 after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Angry? Excited? Falling into the trash?
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“Yeah, I definitely think it’s going to be more in the ‘intense focus’ aspect, you know, other than being angry,” Higgins said — a sentiment that reflects a locker room’s focus not just on talent, but on unity. “Obviously, we were very frustrated with not being in the playoffs for so long, but I think it’s more focused because most of the guys on offense are back.”
Higgins and star receiver Jamaal Chase both signed long-term contracts to stay in Cincinnati last offseason, as did Mike Gesicki. This follows Joe Burrow’s massive extension in the 2023 offseason, and most of the 2025 starting offensive linemen are under contract in 2026.
“So, obviously, we need to lock in and continue to do what we’ve been doing for the last three years and do it as a unit, as a team,” Higgins continued. “Just like if you have special teams, offense and defense working together – you need all of those things… as long as we do that, I think we can get there by the end of the season.”
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Cincinnati looks set to create a dynasty in 2021-2022. However, a fatal combination of injuries to key players, roster turnover, some draft mistakes, and bad luck caused them to miss the playoffs from 2023 to 2025.
Brown expressed the same confidence, adding, “Man, we’re going to be motivated,” reinforcing the belief that Cincinnati’s core is not only hopeful; deliberately As new campaigns approach, questions arise about improvements and execution.
“I haven’t been able to control my playoff hopes for two years, so the focus next season is definitely on taking control, getting off to a fast start and winning those big games — which is every game.”
Brown also talked about those tight, one-score games that were doomed to put the Bengals in trouble the past two seasons as key to their turnaround in 2026. He believes the Bengals are “capable of winning those tight games,” it’s just a matter of getting on the right side of those screamers and winning.
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Together, Higgins and Brown paint a picture of a Bengals team not content with past success or failure, but driven by a collective commitment to growth and competitiveness in the AFC North. Of course, the division will look much different this year with three new head coaches in Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh, Todd Monken in Cleveland and Jesse Minter in Baltimore, but the path to the playoffs will undoubtedly be through massive success in the division.
Higgins is a player who will be inducted into the Pro Bowl later this week, which is well-deserved considering he’s approaching 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Brown is a valuable multi-dimensional weapon who should re-sign with the team this offseason, just like Higgins and Chase did last year.
Regardless, fans should take note: When these two offensive weapons talk about unity and purpose so early, it shows that Cincinnati’s mentality is as strong as its roster. Now it comes down to putting those words into action.
We thank Tee Higgins, Chase Brown, and the kind people who provided the bounty tissues. The Super Bowl is all about watching the big game and enjoying delicious food with family and friends, and Bounty is the perfect Wingman for your party.
Whether you’re serving sauced chicken wings, pizza, or other delicious food that might cause a mess, be prepared to have plenty of bounty at your party! After all, it’s a “quilted, faster, removable upper”!