Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks to make 2024 NFL season one for the ages after a spectacular 2023. Burrow took the league by storm leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns and drawing comparisons to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and others. Despite recent surgery to repair the scapholunate ligament in his throwing wrist, he remains determined to improve his game and build on his achievements.
Last season, Burrow proved that he was the best. He posted a Total QBR of 74.7, good for third-best in the NFL. His big-armed performance featured an insane 12 touchdowns thrown in the fourth quarter. He wasn’t without his challenges with five picks over that same duration. He clearly demonstrated jaw-dropping talent all season long. In the most important moments, his QBR dropped to a pathetic 62.8, 12th among QB’s.
Burrow’s path as an emerging NFL quarterback story epitomizes that resolve and toughness. In true underdog fashion, he led the Bengals to the Super Bowl during the 2021 season. Then, in 2022, he led the team back to the AFC Championship Game. Last season, though, started with an uphill 4-8 record that drove Burrow to go even more nuclear mode.
During offseason workouts, Burrow took his repetitions seriously on worn practice fields, training his mechanics and improving his overall game. His commitment appears to be on full display as he readies himself for the 2023-24 season.
“That’s what keeps you coming back when you’re improving,” – Joe Burrow
During a recent 7-on-7 drill, Burrow displayed his precision by delivering an impressive throw to rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. The ball was perfectly placed between three defenders, demonstrating Burrow’s ability to make tough throws even while recovering from his wrist injury.
Even with these hurdles to climb, Burrow is confident that he’ll do even better things this season. He said he was very encouraged by how far he’s come and noted the biggest indicator of success as a team comes from your quarterback.
“At the end of the day, you win and lose with your quarterback play,” – Joe Burrow
Burrow’s advanced statistics paint a similar picture of what he needs to improve on. He struggled mightily under pressure in key situations. Being met with less than a yard of separation on average when he catches the ball, he still finished with the second-worst Total Expected Points Added at -54.4. He has made this part of his game a priority in practice. His aim going into this season has been to make himself more effective on tight-window throws.
Of Burrow, Dan Pitcher, the Bengals’ quarterbacks coach, said his fearlessness on the field comes from his experience.
“I just see a guy that’s seen a lot of football, played a lot of football and has no fear whatsoever,” – Dan Pitcher
Though he’s had great successes, Burrow has the mindset to stay humble and focused on getting better. He understands that there’s always more work to do. He talked about again being dedicated to improve his craft to take his game to another level.
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