Joe Burrow dazzles with record-tying performance in Bengals’ rout
CINCINNATI
In an impressive display of skill and precision, Joe Burrow reminded fans and analysts alike why he is considered one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks during the Bengals’ commanding 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Despite the game’s lack of playoff implications, Burrow’s performance was anything but meaningless, demonstrating his ability to thrive under any circumstance.
A Masterclass in Efficiency
The 29-year-old quarterback completed 24 of his passes, showcasing his versatility by distributing the ball among a variety of receivers. This outing marked Burrow’s second consecutive game surpassing the 300-yard mark, a feat he accomplished with remarkable efficiency. When given a clean pocket, he went an astounding 19-for-19, setting a record for the most completions without an incompletion from a clean pocket in the past seven NFL seasons.
Although the Cardinals entered the matchup ranked 25th in dropback expected points added (EPA) allowed this season, a 23-point victory in the NFL is still a significant achievement. Burrow’s ability to control the game and dismantle the opposing defense was evident throughout the contest.
Milestones Achieved
Following the victory, Burrow reflected on the team’s current state, stating, “We are where we’re at. There’s nothing we can do about it now except put one foot in front of the other and try to get better. Go and perform again next week.”
With this performance, he elevated his career touchdown pass total to 154, which ties him with Bengals legend Carson Palmer for the fourth-most in franchise history. Additionally, this game marked Burrow’s 49th career outing with multiple touchdown passes, further solidifying his place among the team’s all-time greats.
Burrow also recorded his 28th game with over 300 passing yards, tying Andy Dalton for the most in Bengals history. His contributions were not solely a result of his passing, as illustrated by a 21-yard catch-and-run by Cody Ford that played a pivotal role in pushing Burrow past the 300-yard benchmark.
A Glimpse into the Future
Reflecting on Ford’s play, Burrow shared, “Yeah, we tried one to (Amarius) Mims last year. Had to throw it away. I think this is probably the first one that I’ve thrown, and we’ve had play designs for it in the past. But anytime you get the ball in one of those guys’ hands, they just light up like a kid on Christmas. It’s pretty fun to watch.”
With one more opportunity to showcase his talents before the season wraps up, Burrow looks ahead to a critical matchup against Cleveland next week. His ability to perform under pressure and lead his team will be essential as the Bengals aim to finish the season strong.
Joe Burrow’s performance against the Cardinals serves as a reminder of his potential and resilience, setting the stage for what lies ahead in his career.
