Joe Burrow
Before Cincinnati Bengals’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers began, many expected Joe burrow to display just why he has the potential to become the next ‘Face’ of NFL. However, the reality was a contrast as the former team lost 23-20, making Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee highlight a glaring issue around the Bengals’ marquee.
To those who are not aware, Joe Burrow sustained seven sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers, making his tally reach 24 sacks in the last four games. To make matters worse, Burrow has been sacked 109 times in 31 games. This made McAfee strangely compare Joe Burrow with his own former Quarterback – Andrew Luck.
One would know that Andre Luck was a supremely gifted Quarterback but his offensive vulnerabilities of the Colts line, never enabled him to maximize his full potential. On the same note Pat McAfee went onto highlight the lack of protection which is hampering Joe Burrow’s game plan as well.
Talking on his podcast, Pat quoted, “Joe Burrow feels and Andrew Luck…I think felt that this is what football is. But somebody has to go over there and say, ‘hey listen this ain’t how this sh*t goes. We got a guy, we need to protect this guy.’”
There are two-ways in stating that Joe Burrow is extremely capable of single handedly inspiring the Bengals to the ultimate glory. Having already been the feel-good team of the previous season, by making the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989, Burrow had passed for 4,611 yards and 34 TouchDowns. He did so with a league-high70.4% completion rate. Yet was sacked a league-high 51 times.
While Bengals have framed their marquee player around whom they can build their offensive strategies, Burrow certainly needs more protection – for days such as the one we witnessed against the Steelers. Will we witness anything different when the Bengals lock horns against the mighty Dak Prescott less Dallas Cowboys? Remains to be seen.