Joe Burrow Stays Steady After Shutout Loss, Brushes Off Tough Question
It was a rough Sunday for the Cincinnati Bengals and their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. In a 24-0 loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals not only dropped their 10th game of the season, but they also saw their star QB struggle in a way that’s become uncharacteristic for him when healthy.
Burrow finished with 225 passing yards and two interceptions-numbers that don’t tell the whole story, but certainly reflect a game that never quite got off the ground for Cincinnati. The Ravens’ defense was relentless, consistently collapsing the pocket and forcing Burrow into tough throws. And with little help from a banged-up offensive line, the Bengals’ offense sputtered from start to finish.
After the game, Burrow faced the media, as he always does. But one question stood out-not for its insight, but for how blunt it was. A reporter asked Burrow if he felt like his play had been “slipping down the slope in the wrong direction over the last couple of years.”
Burrow didn’t flinch.
“I feel very confident in how I play,” he said. “I’ve been consistently great for years and years.”
That’s not bravado-it’s a fair assessment. When healthy, Burrow has been one of the most efficient and poised quarterbacks in the league.
He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and followed that up with another deep playoff run. His timing, accuracy, and command of the offense have been staples of his game since he entered the league.
This season, though, has been a different story. Injuries, inconsistent protection, and a lack of rhythm have all contributed to a frustrating campaign for both Burrow and the Bengals.
But questioning whether his overall trajectory is trending downward? That’s a stretch.
The reality is, quarterbacks don’t operate in a vacuum. Burrow’s struggles this season are tied to the broader issues plaguing the Bengals-especially up front.
The offensive line has been a problem area all year, and it showed again against Baltimore. Burrow was under pressure early and often, and without time to set his feet or work through progressions, even the best quarterbacks will falter.
Still, Burrow’s confidence remains intact-and that matters. This is a player who’s proven he can bounce back from adversity, whether it’s injury, poor protection, or tough losses.
The Bengals have work to do in the offseason, no question. But if there’s one thing they don’t need to worry about, it’s whether their quarterback is still “that guy.”
He is.