The 2024 NFL season is nearly upon us.
Remarkably, training camps across the league will kick-off in just a few weeks. In other words, the hell that is the NFL offseason is almost over.
One of the biggest storylines that has managed to fly under the radar is the return of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
While many eyes will be focused on seeing if Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs can pull off a historic three-peat, some are forgetting that Burrow has proven to be a bit of a kryptonite to the reigning champs.
Burrow played just 10 games in the 2023 season, missing significant time due to injury for the second time in his four-year NFL career.
As a result, the Bengals quarterback feels overlooked heading into 2024.
Appearing on “Pardon My Take,”, Burrow made it clear he plans to change that narrative, confidently predicting the Bengals will reclaim the AFC North title after finishing last in the division.
“That’s what happens when you get hurt,” Burrow said. “You don’t play football, people forget about you.
“I love the spot I’m in … You’re not out there, people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. So, I’m gonna give people something to talk about this year … I’m excited.”
The ultra-competitive AFC North may very well be the best division in all of football.
However, Burrow doesn’t seem too worried about the fierce divisional path the Bengals will face. As a matter of fact, he’s quite confident in Cincinnati’s chances.
“Bengals first, and then I don’t care,” Burrow said when asked for his AFC North prediction.
Burrow’s swagger rubs many people the wrong way. However, based on the results over his young career, he’s clearly doing something right.
Now he’s in a position to fly under the radar – at least at the start of the season – and potentially guide the Bengals back to the Super Bowl.
Humorously, Burrow admitted that he may have to bring back Randy Moss’ infamous “mooning” celebration.
“I think I might – maybe if I get a rushing touchdown this year, I might bring back the fake moon,” he said, while suggesting he might debut the celebration during an away game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Benefiting from additional recovery time at the end of the 2023 season after wrist surgery, Burrow is focused on leading Cincinnati back to the playoffs following their 9-8 finish last year.
He previously guided the Bengals to consecutive AFC championship games in 2021 and 2022, reaching the Super Bowl in his second season.
In his four seasons, Burrow has thrown for 14,083 yards, 97 touchdowns and 37 interceptions, while adding 10 additional scores on the ground.
However, protection has been a reoccurring problem for the Bengals. Burrow has been sacked 148 times and that’s an issue that Cincinnati desperately needs to fix.
What are your thoughts on Burrow’s comments?
Are you a fan of his confidence/cockiness? … Or does he rub you the wrong way?
Do you think he will be able to regain his old form rather quickly? … Or will there be a significant adjustment period?
In the bigger picture, do you view Burrow and the Bengals as the biggest threats to Mahomes and the Chiefs?
Should Cincinnati be considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl???