Joe Burrow returns to lead Bengals to impressive victory over Ravens
CINCINNATI — In a highly anticipated comeback, Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to a commanding 32-14 victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. This marked Burrow’s first game since September 14, a timeline that had initially suggested he wouldn’t return until December. Instead, he made his comeback in prime time, showcasing resilience and determination.
A Change of Plans
Reflecting on his recovery, Burrow revealed that the initial plan was to return for the matchup against Buffalo. “The plan all along was Buffalo,” he shared with a sense of relief. “As we got closer to these games, it was feeling pretty dang good. It moved up to tonight, allowing me to get two full weeks of practice in before this game.” The decision to play was a testament to his progress; practices leading up to the game felt promising. Although he considered returning for the Week 12 game against the New England Patriots, ultimately, he decided against it.
The Patriots game, which ended in a narrow 26-20 loss for the Bengals, may linger in the minds of fans as a significant “what if?” should the team struggle to secure a playoff spot this season. With a record of 4-8, the Bengals must win their remaining five games to remain in contention.
Overcoming Adversity
Burrow’s return comes after he suffered a grade 3 turf toe sprain, a frustrating setback following a healthy offseason. He had boasted about being “bigger, faster, and stronger,” a mantra he embraces every year. His preparation included the most significant preseason workload of his career, complemented by a fully healthy training camp. Despite his efforts, an injury in Week 2 sidelined him, marking his third major injury since entering the league and the second in three seasons.
In a candid conversation, Burrow expressed the emotional toll of his recent challenges. “Yeah, I’m just trying to find the fun in it again,” he admitted. “These last three years have been pretty brutal with two injuries, and then the season we had last year. It’s been a while since I was able to have fun doing this.” He emphasized that the only way to rediscover his love for the game was to play, stating, “You’re not going to have any fun by watching everybody else play. That’s for sure.”
A Stellar Performance
Despite the adversity, Burrow’s return was nothing short of stellar. He completed 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards and threw two touchdown passes, all while maintaining control of the game with no turnovers and being sacked just once. His performance not only underscored his individual talent but also highlighted the impact he has on the Bengals’ overall performance.
This victory marks Burrow’s eighth consecutive win as a starter, a streak that ties a franchise record. His presence on the field reminds fans and analysts alike of the formidable force the Bengals can be when he is at the helm.
As Burrow continues to find his rhythm, the Bengals hope to build on this momentum and keep their playoff dreams alive. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with Burrow back in action, the path is lined with possibilities.
