Why Bengals QB Joe Burrow has officially entered new territory
Cincinnati Bengals fans have known for a while that quarterback Joe Burrow is a superstar. But after this past weekend, the entire sports world now knows. Burrow, who has never lost a playoff game to an AFC team (he's 5-0 against his conference foes), solidified himself this past weekend as one of the premier quarterbacks […]
Cincinnati Bengals fans have known for a while that quarterback Joe Burrow is a superstar.
But after this past weekend, the entire sports world now knows.
Burrow, who has never lost a playoff game to an AFC team (he's 5-0 against his conference foes), solidified himself this past weekend as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. He's in the national conversation now with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Remember a decade ago when Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees ruled the NFL? Those were THE faces of the sport.
Burrow is now in that group when it comes to present-day NFL players.
Burrow went from being a good story to possibly being the premier quarterback in the NFL.
He's not the most physically talented quarterback — he's not going to throw the ball farther than Allen or Mahomes and he's not going to outrun Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson. But he's the best leader in the NFL. And he has single handily turned the Bengals into annual Super Bowl contenders.
Burrow's confidence rubs off on those around him and it makes them believe that they can accomplish whatever task is in front of them.
If you don't believe me, just listen to the comments from his teammates.
Tight end Hayden Hurst said on Sunday, after the Bengals' win against the Buffalo Bills, that it doesn't matter that everyone is counting Cincy out — because they have Burrow at quarterback.
I know the Bengals thrive off feeling slighted. And I get it — motivation is a powerful thing and some of the best athletes to ever suit up have utilized perceived slights to play at a higher level (just ask Michael Jordan).
But I don't think Cincinnati will be slighted this weekend ahead of their AFC Championship game showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. There is no more overlooking Burrow and the Bengals.
Cincy's complete domination of the Bills on Sunday has ensured that Burrow will be viewed among the elite players in the sport by nearly every NFL fan on the planet for the foreseeable future.
The rest of the country is finding out what fans in Cincinnati and Baton Rouge have known for several years now — Joey B is well on his way to having a Hall of Fame career.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
