Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had an impressive season, tossing 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions. However, his team is struggling, currently sitting at 1-4. Following a narrow 41-38 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Burrow didn’t hold back his disappointment, stating, “We’re not a championship-level team right now.” Despite his remarkable performance—completing 30 out of 39 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns—Burrow’s efforts were overshadowed by the team’s defensive woes.
This season, Burrow boasts an impressive completion rate of 72.3% and a passer rating of 113.6, placing him among the league’s elite. Yet, the Bengals’ defense has been a major liability, allowing 2.73 points per drive— the worst for the franchise in the first five weeks since at least 2000. This situation has forced Burrow to consistently push for big plays just to keep his team in the game.
Against the Ravens, Cincinnati led 24-14 in the third quarter and 38-28 in the fourth, but once again, the defense faltered, allowing Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to dominate in the closing moments. Burrow’s performance was stellar but ultimately disappointing, as he became just the 10th quarterback in NFL history to surpass 390 passing yards and throw at least five touchdown passes in a game without getting the win.
Reflecting on the missed opportunities, Burrow pointed to a critical moment late in overtime when Jackson fumbled. The Bengals opted to run the ball three times but gained only three yards, resulting in a 53-yard field goal attempt that failed due to a mishap on the hold. This decision proved pivotal as the Ravens took advantage to clinch the game shortly after.
“It was just winning a lot of our one-on-one coverages,” Bengals receiver Tee Higgins remarked after the game, stressing the importance of capitalizing on those opportunities to secure victories. Burrow’s situation echoes the struggles of Deshaun Watson during the 2020 season, where despite individual brilliance, wins were elusive, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football.
In other league news, Derrick Henry of the Ravens reached the milestone of 10,000 career rushing yards—a feat that could take some time to see again, given the shift in NFL teams’ focus away from running backs. Additionally, peculiar decisions, like Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott’s mismanagement of the clock during a critical moment, led to a game-losing scenario.
While Burrow continues to shine individually, with notable performances alongside rising stars like Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams, he remains a standout figure trapped in a cycle of frustration amid personal success. As the Bengals seek to turn their season around, the football world watches closely, hoping for brighter days ahead for both Burrow and the team.
