Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals were poised to showcase their powerful offense, but thanks to miserable weather and equally miserable execution, they delivered an absolute dud against the Browns in Cleveland.
Fresh off signing a historic contract extension that made him the richest player in NFL history, Burrow proceeded to play the worst game of his entire life.
Burrow completed just 14 of 31 passes for a mere 82 yards and no touchdowns. As a matter of fact, the high-powered Bengals could only muster a field goal as they were blown out 24-3.
Reflecting on the horrific performance, Burrow admitted: “Week 1 doesn’t define anybody’s season. Obviously, not very good out there, but anybody that watched saw that. We’ve been in this spot before, we’ve come back stronger and had a great year. So that’s what we’re going to do.”
Bengals benched Joe Burrow in the 4Q after going down 24-3 vs. Browns
14/31
82 YDSHe just became the NFL’s highest-paid player on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/P5zTAuxwvg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 10, 2023
This isn’t the first time Burrow has faced adversity in the season opener. Last year, he threw four interceptions in a Week 1 loss, and he attributed his slow start this year to his absence during training camp due to a leg injury.
“Yeah, that happens in Week 1,” Burrow said. “Obviously, those things happen when the quarterback doesn’t perform in training camp. That was obviously something that I would have liked to have done, but there’s no excuses.”
"Week 1 doesn't define anyone's season." Joe Burrow pic.twitter.com/GARB9v4M68
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 10, 2023
There’s nothing Burrow said that isn’t true. Missing all that practice time in training camp undoubtedly factored heavily in the miserable performance – as did the rainy weather.
To his credit, he offered no excuses and made it clear that he and the team will keep their mouths shut and focus on getting better and playing up to the standard that they’ve set over the past few seasons.
His performance woes came just days after finalizing his five-year, $275 million contract extension. Everyone recognizes that he’s worth every penny of that deal, despite his poor outing yesterday.
Bengals fans can take solace in last year’s 0-2 start that eventually led to an AFC Championship game appearance. Burrow has a track record of rallying the team when they’re down, earning the franchise two consecutive AFC North titles and a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season.
I think I speak for everyone when I say Burrow and the Bengals are going to be just fine.
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