The Bengals had some business to take care of this offseason. One thing they haven't done is lock-up safety Jessie Bates III to a long-term contract, as he is currently set to make $12.9 million on the franchise tag. However, the Bengals have addressed one area.

Cincinnati may have made a run to the Super Bowl in 2021 but they did so by overcoming a significant liability, their offensive line. The Bengals allowed 55 sacks last season, the third-most in the NFL.

The defending AFC champions got to work fixing the problem. Guard Alex Cappa and center Ted Karras were signed on March 18, and former Cowboys' right tackle La'el Collins was signed two days later. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bengals putting resources into their offensive line was the best off-season task they've taken care of.

Brad Spielberger on the Bengals offensive line additions:

"All three players are coming off strong seasons, as well. Right guard Alex Cappa earned a career-best 73.4 grade in 2021, center Ted Karras logged quality starts at both right and left guard to the tune of a 72.2 grade (his best in any season with at least 200 snaps) and Collins earned the best run-blocking (89.8) and pass-blocking (76.2) grades of his career."

These were moves that had to be made. Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL and MCL during his rookie campaign in 2020. Also, the Bengals were even worse in the playoffs last season than they were in the regular season when it came to giving up sacks. In four games, they allowed 19, including nine against the Tennessee Titans, which tied a playoff record.

Burrow is the golden goose of the Bengals and his protection is paramount. If these new additions to the Bengals' offensive line can be serviceable, Burrow can spread the ball around to their talented trio of wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.

The Bengals also have a capable running back in Joe Mixon. Although Burrow racked up over 4,600 yards and tossed 34 touchdowns last season, Mixon was productive setting career highs in rushing yards (1,205) and rushing touchdowns (13). That type of performance by Mixon can be duplicated if the Bengals' new linemen step up, or even surpassed.

It all starts in the trenches and the Bengals did their due diligence this offseason when it came to protecting Burrow, their most prized asset. If the Bengals can keep him upright, they will be a tough out in 2022.

Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK