The 2023 season was a tough one for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. After injuring his calf during training camp, he didn’t look comfortable the first few weeks of the regular season.
His production reflected that. In Week 1, Joe Burrow completed only 45.2 percent of his passes for 86 yards against the Cleveland Browns. He was better in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, but wouldn’t throw a touchdown in either of the next two games.
The Bengals were sitting at 1-3 with their expected MVP candidate struggling. Alas, as the case has been the last few seasons in Cincinnati, the early season swoon was quickly put behind them.
A four-game winning streak would ensue for the Bengals as Joe Burrow caught fire. From Weeks 5-8, he completed 119-of-157 attempts for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions.
Cincinnati looked back on track, but that would unfortunately be the high point of the season. After losing to the Houston Texans in Week 10, Joe Burrow would suffer a season-ending injury in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The team did not give up with Jake Browning under center, going 4-3. But, their 9-8 record wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, finishing one game short.
Heading into the 2024 season, there hasn’t been much hype around the Bengals or Joe Burrow. It is something he is using as motivation, as he wants to prove he is still one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.
“You don’t play football, people forget about you. . . . If you’re not out there and people aren’t watching you, then there’s nothing to talk about. I’m going to give people something to talk about this year. I’m excited about it,” Burrow said during an appearance on Pardon My Take via Dov Kleiman on X.
In a loaded AFC, the Bengals are being overlooked a bit. That could cost some people, as they did make the AFC Championship Game two years in a row before the Joe Burrow injuries derailed their 2023 season.
Navigating the toughest division in the NFL, the AFC North will be no small task. But if the Bengals can do that, and keep Joe Burrow upright and healthy, they are as dangerous as any team heading into 2024.
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