Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl LVI loss to Los Angeles Rams a reminder rebuild not complete

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Cincinnati Bengals knew they needed drastic changes if they wanted to be a perennial playoff contender.

They rebuilt the roster in free agency and drafted playmakers in the past two offseasons in order to expedite the rebuilding process. Through smart signings and good draft picks, Cincinnati morphed into the best team in the AFC North.

But Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI reminded the Bengals that winning at the highest level requires more. For a team to be the best in the NFL, it will take a thorough examination and fixing the weak spots.

As if it wasn't obvious enough before the Super Bowl, the Rams pointed out exactly what needs to improve immediately.

The Rams' pass rush feasted on Cincinnati's offensive line in the second half. Joe Burrow was sacked often, especially in the second half. Los Angeles tallied five of those in the third quarter, the most in a quarter in Super Bowl history, according to ESPN Stats & Information data. Burrow played the majority of the fourth quarter with a right knee injury that left him writhing on the turf at one point in the game.

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And that glaring weakness cost Cincinnati a shot at the Bengals' highest prize.

There's no question this was one of the best seasons in franchise history. The Bengals ended a 31-year drought without a playoff win, the longest in the NFL, and won the conference championship for the first time since 1989.

Cincinnati far exceeded everyone's expectations — perhaps even its own — in the third year under coach Zac Taylor, who had won