Burrow Keeps Perspective as Bengals Face Uphill Climb
Joe Burrow isn’t waving the white flag-not now, not ever. But as the Bengals quarterback works his way back from injury and watches a season slip further out of reach, he’s also not sugarcoating the reality of where Cincinnati stands with four games left on the schedule.
“This has been a struggle for the past couple of years,” Burrow admitted, reflecting on the challenges of staying healthy and leading a team through adversity. “But I’ve grown and matured and understood the position we find ourselves in.”
That position? A 4-9 record and a long shot at the postseason.
Burrow returned to action knowing the odds were stacked against them. The Bengals were 3-8 when he came back, and while the desire to compete never wavered, he understood the climb ahead would be steep.
“I’m just happy to be out there,” he said. “We want to win games and be in the playoffs and do everything that we say we are capable of doing, but when I came back, I knew it was going to be an uphill battle.”
Burrow’s return didn’t come with a storybook ending. In a recent game, he didn’t get another shot to lead a final drive-something he would’ve relished.
“That’s how the cookie crumbled this year,” he said. “Obviously, I would have loved to be out there more and be able to make an impact. But that wasn’t the case.”
Still, there’s no quit in Burrow. He’s focused on finishing strong, not just for the record, but for the pride of the locker room and the fans still tuning in.
“Obviously, we’re not where we want to be, as a team or an organization - 4-9 is not good,” he said. “But we got four games to go and show high-level execution, high-level playmaking. I’m going to relish the opportunity to go out and play with these guys, and continue to try to put on a show for everybody watching.”
Myles Garrett Chasing More Than Just Records
In Cleveland, Myles Garrett isn’t just chasing quarterbacks-he’s chasing history. The Browns’ star edge rusher has his eyes on 25 sacks this season, a number that would eclipse the current single-season record. But beyond the stats, Garrett is earning praise for the way he carries himself and the relentless energy he brings to the field.
“He’s the greatest of all time,” Browns safety Grant Delpit said. “He’s the best I’ve seen do it.
I’m glad that he’s on my team. His motor, his engine, it’s still going.
He really sets the pace for the defense.”
That motor has made Garrett a nightmare for offensive linemen and a tone-setter for Cleveland’s defense. His size, speed, and strength make him a rare blend of physical traits, but it’s his drive that’s turning heads across the league.
“He’s such a big guy. He moves like a small guy, and he’s so strong, and he plays so hard,” said Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard.
“If your feet aren’t underneath you and you don’t get on him early, he’s going to either go around you or go through you. I think he’s just a generational talent.
Probably one of the best edge rushers this league has ever seen.”
Inside the Browns’ locker room, Garrett’s work ethic is just as respected as his stat sheet.
“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been around a more driven person in my career,” said veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins. “Just based on how he goes about his days, how infatuated he is with getting to the quarterback, but also just with his all-around play.”
With the postseason still in reach and Garrett eyeing a historic milestone, don’t expect him to slow down any time soon.
Steelers Ride Rodgers’ Composure to Key Win
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers leaned on a familiar formula: trust the veteran quarterback when the moment gets big. And on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers delivered.
“We knew what was on the line today and that’s why you go do business with a guy like Aaron,” head coach Mike Tomlin said after the win over the Ravens. “For thick days like today.
He’s a been-there done-that guy. Beyond the experience component of it, he relishes it.
You can just tell. That’s the benefit of having a guy like AR.”
Rodgers, never one to shy away from the spotlight-or the microphone-had his own take when asked about the win in the context of recent speculation surrounding Tomlin’s future.
“It means maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a week,” he said, cutting through the noise with trademark bluntness.
Rodgers played through a fractured left wrist, wearing a soft case instead of his previous protective covering. Even with the injury, his poise and precision were on display when the Steelers needed it most.
Tomlin credited the team’s mindset as a whole in the win.
“I just think we were in aggressive posture all day,” he said. “I just think that’s how we got out of bed this morning. That’s what’s required when you’re playing these guys in their venue.”
With Rodgers leading the way and the Steelers playing with urgency, Pittsburgh showed they’re still very much in the fight-and not backing down from any challenge.