In late September, Hall of Famer turned NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe took aim at Joe Burrow’s performance, igniting a fierce response from his ESPN colleague Marcus Spears, who leapt to defend his fellow LSU Tiger.
Spears felt Sharpe’s critique of the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback was overly harsh, especially given Burrow’s impressive numbers and reputation around the league.
Sharpe’s original comments centered around Burrow’s Week 3 performance in the Bengals’ 38-33 loss to the Washington Commanders.
Although Burrow threw for 324 yards, completed 29 of 38 passes, and logged three touchdowns with no interceptions, Sharpe maintained Burrow’s efforts were insufficient for a win.
In a game where the Bengals never punted or turned over the ball and only missed scoring due to a first-half field goal, Burrow’s supporters argue he couldn’t have done much more.
But for Sharpe, it was still not enough.
“I was told he was playing great,” Sharpe said this week. “They were losing ballgames and everybody was like, ‘Oh, Shannon, you’re out your mind. Look at Joe Burrow’s numbers.’
“Now, we’re asking the question: who are we more surprised by struggling? I’m surprised this a question, considering Stephen A., everybody jumped on me about three weeks ago and was telling me how well Joe Burrow was playing.
“Back to our originally scheduled programming … I’m surprised by Joe Burrow for the simple fact of his age and the skill position weapons that he has around him. I’m surprised that they’re 3-5. I’m not surprised at all Aaron Rodgers is struggling. He’s 40 years of age, he’s coming off an Achilles injury and he’s not as mobile as he once was.”
Spears was quick to counter Sharpe’s perspective, reminding the panel that Burrow’s stats often speak for themselves.
But Sharpe’s “receipts” on Burrow resurfaced after the Bengals’ recent 37-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Despite Burrow’s efforts – completing 26 of 37 passes for 234 yards, one touchdown, and an interception – Cincinnati faltered after tying the game at 17 in the third quarter.
For Sharpe, it was a familiar story: another example of Burrow playing well, but not well enough to secure a win.
The debate over Burrow’s performance continues, with Sharpe unapologetically doubling down and Spears steadfast in his support of the Bengals’ star quarterback.
It’s been quite a bizarre year for the Bengals. We’ve become used to them getting off to slow starts, however, the clock is ticking and they’ve yet to even flash their Super Bowl potential.
While it’s true that Burrow most likely is not anywhere near 100% healthy, we know that’s not a valid excuse when it comes to evaluating elite quarterbacks.
Whose side are you on in the Burrow debate: Sharpe’s? Or Spears’?
Looking ahead, do you think Burrow and the Bengals will be able to turn things and become the Super Bowl contenders most of us thought they were heading into the season?
Or will this end up being a wasted season in Cincy???
