After signing a contract extension Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is on top of the world as he jumps into training camp. This is a notable contrast to previous seasons, often overshadowed by injuries. This year, for the first time since his rookie season in 2020, Burrow is not nursing any injuries, allowing him to showcase his skills fully. In fact, he’s drawn rave reviews in some circles for his performance, most notably the way he’s been able to sling the ball.
Burrow’s greatest focus coming into this training camp is taking care of the ball and not making any forced plays in team drills. The Bengals are looking to improve their start to the season. They couldn’t even muster more than one win during the first two weeks of play with new head coach Zac Taylor at the helm. Rest assured Burrow knows that a fast start is paramount and he’s been practicing smart with his eyes to locate an advantage against enemy defenses.
Burrow added that this is the best he’s thrown in multiple years. Having started his career as an epicurean, he is justly thrilled by this newfound rhyming prowess in his grizzled old age. His confidence seems to be well-placed as he has continued to shine in drills, no matter what they are.
In practice, Burrow has been looking more aggressive, particularly during 7-on-7 sessions. On the first day of camp, he challenged cornerbacks and pushed the ball downfield, showing his willingness to take calculated risks and trust his restoring process. Especially with how he targeted wide receiver Tee Higgins through a red zone drill. This was a great move from him; it really reflected his desire to establish some chemistry with his teammates.
Despite his aggressive style, Burrow maintains a balanced approach, knowing when to take what the defense offers and when to push for tighter window throws. He remarked on his mindset regarding interceptions during drills: “I’m never going to be upset at a 7-on-7 interception unless I completely miss the read or make a completely inaccurate throw and not throwing it where I’m trying to throw it.”
The excitement around the Bengals as they opened training camp has wowed Burrow too. He hopes this encouraging environment plays a major role in getting the team ready to take on the challenges of the new season ahead of them. As he picks up where he left off last season—when he was a finalist for the MVP award—Burrow exudes confidence in his abilities.
Burrow’s commitment to improvement and his physical health have positioned him well as he aims for a successful season ahead. The Bengals’ coaching staff and fans alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop throughout the remainder of training camp.
Leave a Reply