Joe Burrow receives the tough love he may need from a voice the Bengals know well
Former Bengals coach Jay Gruden has some words of wisdom for Joe Burrow.
Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden took exception to Joe Burrow’s recent press conferences, including his comments about needing to have fun if he wants to continue playing football.
“He’s probably a little depressed, right? With a little rain on the street, maybe had a tough drive in. Little emotional Joe, chill out,” Gruden said on The Arena: Gridiron. “You’re still the starting quarterback, and your team relies on you and your passion for their game and the energy that you bring to the table, they rely on. You can’t have a press conference like that. No, as much as I love you Joe, can’t do that. Too depressing. I know Cincinnati can be dark and nasty sometimes, you just lost, but it can’t happen.”
Gruden, who now works with Underdog, called plays for the Bengals from 2011-13 before becoming the head coach in Washington from 2014-19. He was present for only winning seasons in Cincinnati, and while he’s critical of Burrow here, he understands what needs to happen for the Bengals and their QB going forward.
Jay Gruden knows Joe Burrow needs support from the Bengals
Burrow has either been injured or playing at the top of his game for the past three seasons. When he’s healthy and operating with confidence, Cincinnati needs to capitalize with the right supporting cast on both sides of the ball.
Gruden equated the support Patrick Mahomes received from the Kansas City Chiefs to what Burrow needs from the Bengals.
“Moving forward, they got to help him, you know, just like [Patrick] Mahomes and the Chiefs, they got to help him out,” Gruden said. “The offensive line has been brutal and the defense hasn’t been very good. But you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Sometimes you got to make up for it. Sometimes you got to be Superman and not have a great o-line and maybe not a great receiver, maybe not a great defense, but you’re going to find a way to victory, find a way to get it done.”
Ironically, Burrow has been Superman for Cincinnati more times than not. Last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens is fresh in everyone’s mind, but there have been ample moments in which Burrow has had to carry the Bengals to victory. The worst possible scenario just happened to be the most recent viewing for everyone to see.
Gruden wants to see more energy from Burrow to close the year out
Any improvements to the roster won’t be made for a few months after the offseason officially arrives, but until then, Gruden wants Burrow to turn his frown upside down for the betterment of the team.
“It’s just a tough time when you lose and you’re knocked out of the playoffs for everybody, but I think you’ll be fine. Just cheer up a little Joe,” Gruden said. “Bring the energy the last three weeks, have your young players play hard for you. That’s what it’s all about. Clap your hands, put a smile on your face and enjoy the best game there is to play in the world.”
Cincinnati has three games remaining and Burrow will start them all if health permits. We’ll see if his public attitude shifts in the way Gruden desires.
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