Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Finding His Path To Stardom In Year 2

After two excellent weeks in a row, one of which beat the Chiefs and secured the division title, Joe Burrow is finding his path to stardom for the Cincinnati Bengals.

It’s been quite a pair of weeks for the Cincinnati Bengals. After downing the Ravens in dominating fashion for the second time this season, the Bengals entered week 17 with a division-clinching scenario: beat the Chiefs, the AFC North is yours. It would be a demanding task, especially with how their defense was playing.

They trailed for much of the first half, but the duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase brought them back with a pair of long touchdown connections. Converting an improbably 3rd and 27 was also in the cards as they edged out the Chiefs, 34-31, in one of the biggest victories for the franchise in some time, and their first division title since 2015.

It seems with Burrow, the improbable is becoming possible, even probable. The trio he has in Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd is up there with anyone in the league right now. Head coach Zac Taylor might finally be seeing the light, as he let Burrow cook these last two games, which resulted in the first ever back-to-back 400-yard, four touchdown, zero interception games for any quarterback, ever.

Let’s Talk About Burrow

Obviously, expectations were extremely high for Joe Burrow as the number one overall pick. After one season, there were concerns. His deep ball accuracy continued to be a problem, he didn’t seem comfortable when facing pressure, and his process and progressions weren’t there in terms of NFL speed. Doubt started to creep into analysts’ minds about whether or not he would become the franchise quarterback that the Cincinnati Bengals were hoping.

There are certainly some turnover-worthy throws to evaluate for him to improve, but there are steps Burrow has taken in year two. There’s a clear improvement in the chemistry between Burrow and Higgins, something that was going to take time, despite Higgins’ ability to win down the field at the catch point. They’ve found that chemistry in year two and it’s great to see.

Then, of course, the Burrow and Chase connection is one of the best in the league already. It’s almost Rodgers-to-Adams-esque, where you can know where the ball is going but you can’t stop it. That trust in the deep ball has helped Burrow mature there. He can keep the ball (relatively) on target and give Chase and Higgins a chance.

Burrow also looks more comfortable in the pocket and making quick decisions post-snap. He’s turning into Tony Romo at times, slipping away and escaping potential sacks only to find a receiver or pick up yardage on the ground. He’s seeing the field pre-snap and trusts where to go post-snap.

Then there’s the confidence that goes along with that. Burrow looks excellent driving the football into the intermediate window on dig routes. He’s confident throwing deep and he can quickly adjust and confidently deliver when under pressure.

A Path To Stardom

Will Joe Burrow join the elite ranks at the quarterback position? That remains to be seen. However, the widely-criticized team building approach for the Cincinnati Bengals has given Burrow the best chance to succeed, and he’s doing that right now. There’s a path for Burrow to achieve stardom in this league, and he’s on it right now. The AFC North title could be just the beginning for this franchise with pieces like Burrow in place.