Key Takeaways
– Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise quarterback, ready for a strong comeback after two major injuries in 2023.
– Despite a tough season, Burrow ranks third in the PFF’s ranking of NFL quarterbacks for 2024.
– Following surgery, Burrow has become the highest-paid NFL player in history with a $275 million contract extension.
Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow’s roller-coaster NFL journey has had several ups and downs. In the 2023 season, he was hit by two major injury blows that kept him sidelined for much of the season. Now, Burrow is gearing up for a remarkable comeback in 2024, already being placed at the third spot in all 32 NFL quarterbacks ranking by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema.
A Season Marred by Injuries
As the season began, Burrow strained his calf, affecting his performance throughout the season. Despite recovering from the initial strain, a wrist injury in Week 11 ended his chances of playing further. Commenting on this unfortunate turn of events, Sikkema wrote, “Burrow had an injury-riddled 2023, starting with a calf strain. He then suffered a torn ligament in his wrist that ended his season.”
Stellar Performances Despite Injury Setbacks
However, Sikkema clarified that Burrow’s injury-marked season did little to overshadow his abilities as a decision-maker with “assassin-like accuracy and MVP-caliber play.” Burrow, who began his NFL journey as the Bengals’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has previously shown resilience and managed a swift bounce-back after a tearing the ACL and MCL in his left knee during his rookie season.
Notable Achievements
Burrow’s resilience led to him winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021. He improved further, making his debut on the Pro Bowl in 2022 after leading the Bengals to a 12-4 regular-season record. Burrow also finished fourth in NFL MVP voting the same year.
Record-Breaking Contract Boosting Bengals’ Hopes
Given his previous performances, it was not surprising when Burrow clinched a 4-year, $275 million contract extension in September 2023, setting records as the highest-paid player in NFL history. With his improved health and this motivating contract, expectations are high for Burrow to have a sterling “prove-it” year in 2024.
Excels in Safe and Productive Throwing
“Burrow’s game has always highlighted productive passes while minimizing the risk,” PFF’s Brandon Locker notes. Locker points to statistics from 2023 that set Burrow apart – a big-time throw rate of 4.4% and a low turnover-worthy play rate of 2.1% achieved by only two quarterbacks in the season. It’s no wonder that with Burrow back under center, the Bengals are not only eyeing their divisional lead, but also the AFC.
As the 2024 season nears, fans and NFL experts alike are eagerly waiting to see whether Joe Burrow can stage another performance that meets, if not surpasses, his pre-injury form. All eyes are on the Cincinnati Bengals in anticipation of an exciting season ahead.