Joe Burrow aims for franchise milestone as Bengals clash with Bills
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, with aspirations of achieving back-to-back victories for only the second time this season. Quarterback Joe Burrow is on the verge of making history, seeking to extend his perfect 3-0 record as a starter this season and potentially set a new franchise benchmark for consecutive wins.
Burrow has been on a remarkable run, leading the Bengals to an impressive 8-0 record in his last eight starts, which dates back to the previous season. A ninth straight victory would not only solidify his status but also etch his name into the franchise record books.
Burrow’s Journey to Stardom
The journey that has brought Burrow to this point is nothing short of extraordinary. He rose to prominence at LSU, where he led the Tigers to a National Championship, claimed the Heisman Trophy, and was selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burrow’s ascent continued as he guided the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, checking off significant milestones along the way.
A key figure in Burrow’s development was Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who played a crucial role in Burrow’s success during his second season at LSU. As the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach during the Tigers’ perfect 15-0 campaign in 2019, Brady helped elevate both Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to stardom.
“Joe and I go way back, way back at this point,” Burrow reflected. “He was great for my career. We did some fun things together. We’ve got a great relationship. I look forward to seeing him and talking to him.”
A Grateful Quarterback
Burrow attributes much of his success to the foundation laid by Brady at LSU. “Bringing in all of the NFL concepts to what we were doing at LSU was huge,” Burrow noted. “Fortunately, my strength is being able to read and react, get the ball out quickly, and find the right guys. That’s what that offense was about, and it’s what a lot of offenses in this league are about.”
During his final college season, Burrow amassed a staggering 5,671 passing yards and threw 60 touchdown passes, with Chase accounting for a remarkable 1,780 of those yards and 20 touchdowns. Their chemistry was undeniable, which led to their reunion in Cincinnati when the Bengals selected Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“I learned a lot from him, if I’m being honest,” Chase said about Brady. “He helped me understand offenses, concepts, and defenses. He really broke the game down for me in a way that I could grasp, which made a difference.”
A High-Stakes Reunion
This Sunday’s game not only marks a reunion for Burrow and Brady but also positions both teams in a critical juncture of the season. Brady, in his second year as the Bills’ offensive coordinator, hopes to lead his team to victory against the Bengals, while Burrow and Chase are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. As they enter this week, the Bengals find themselves just two games behind the Steelers and Ravens in the competitive AFC North, with only five games remaining on their schedule.
With the stakes high and both teams hungry for a win, the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter that could shape the playoff landscape in the weeks to come.
