Joe Burrow Reunites with Joe Brady Ahead of Bengals-Bills Showdown
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, the reunion between quarterback Joe Burrow and offensive coordinator Joe Brady adds an intriguing storyline. Brady, who previously served as the passing game coordinator for the 2019 national champion LSU Tigers, played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Burrow and his top wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase.
A History of Success
Reflecting on their shared past, Burrow spoke fondly of his relationship with Brady during a press conference on Wednesday. “Joe and I go way back — I guess it’s way back at this point,” Burrow remarked. “He was great for my career. We did some fun things together and we got a great relationship. So, I look forward to seeing and talking to him for sure.”
Under Brady’s guidance, Burrow flourished during a historic season at LSU, which culminated in a national championship. The 2019 Tigers boasted a record-breaking offense, averaging 568.5 yards and 48.4 points per game, leading to Brady receiving the prestigious Broyles Award as college football’s top assistant coach. Burrow’s Heisman Trophy-winning campaign saw him throw for an astounding 60 touchdowns, while Chase emerged as a top target, amassing 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
Brady’s Transition to the NFL
After the successful run at LSU, Brady transitioned to the NFL, landing a role as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Burrow attributes much of his success to Brady’s ability to integrate NFL concepts into their college playbook. “Bringing all the NFL concepts to what we were doing at LSU,” Burrow explained, emphasizing how this preparation helped him develop his skills. “Fortunately, that’s my strength — being able to read and react and get the ball out quickly and finding the right guys. That’s what that offense was about.”
Burrow further highlighted the collaborative nature of their work, saying, “We did some special things together and worked through a lot of problems. We solved a lot of problems, and that’s what great players and coaches do. So that was a special time.”
Facing Former Proteges
Now at the helm of the Bills’ offense since 2022, Brady finds himself tasked with the challenge of containing his former pupils, who have both ascended to elite status in the NFL. In his five seasons as a pro, Chase has amassed 371 receptions for 5,090 yards and 46 touchdowns, showcasing a deep chemistry with Burrow.
As the Bills gear up for Sunday, cornerback Christian Benford is expected to play a crucial role in defending against Chase. Benford has demonstrated his ability to successfully cover top wide receivers, notably shutting down DK Metcalf during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bills are likely to deploy Benford in a similar manner against Chase, aiming to limit the impact of the Bengals’ dynamic duo.
Looking Ahead
As the Bengals and Bills prepare to clash, the spotlight will certainly be on Burrow and Chase as they look to exploit the Bills’ defense. Meanwhile, Brady will be leveraging his intimate knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses in a bid to navigate the challenges posed by his former star players. The forthcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for supremacy in the NFL.
