26 September 2023 , 11:34
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Joe Burrow spoke positively about his nagging calf injury after leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a crucial win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
Burrow, who became the NFL’s highest-paid player when he inked a five-year contract extension worth $275 million ahead of Week 1, was a game-time decision but the Bengals rolled the dice on starting their superstar quarterback. The 26-year-old started instead of backup Jake Browning as the Bengals craved a first win of the season.
With their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns all sitting at 2-1, the 0-2 Bengals needed a win. Burrow was far from his best, but overcame a concerning first half to lead his team to a 19-16 win as the defense did enough to keep out Matthew Stafford and co.
Burrow finished the night completing 26 of 49 passes for 259 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception. The performance was hardly enough to quash concerns over the calf strain that's frustrated him since the start of the 2023 season, but he did enough to get the win.
When asked about his injury after the win, Burrow told ESPN: “We’re getting there. Every week will be better as long as there’s no more setbacks. … Today we got through it.”
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It was a difficult start for Burrow. For the third successive game, Cincinnati failed to score a first-half touchdown and went in at halftime with the score tied at 6-6. But Burrow then came out the blocks for the third quarter, leading an efficient 10-play drive over 75 yards that ended with Joe Mixon bursting into the end zone.
Cincinnati's second possession of the half produced a glimpse of the downfield success that's been characteristic of the team’s success in recent years. Ja’Marr Chase had put up just 70 yards in Cincinnati’s first two games, but he registered 12 catches for 141 yards against the Rams.
Joe Burrow was a shadow of himself in the first two weeks and struggled in the first half on Monday night before coming to life (AP)Burrow was a shell of his Pro Bowl self in the 0-2 start, completing 41 of 72 passes - just under 57 percent - for 304 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. His 4.2 yards per attempt trailed his 7.4-yard average in 2022 and league-best 8.9 yard rate a year prior in Cincinnati's run to the Super Bowl.
Luckily, the Cincinnati defense came up trumps with Logan Wilson snagging two interceptions. Burrow showed some flashes, but all eyes will be on his calf to see if will continue to affect his performances in 2023.
Burrow’s Bengals are on the road at the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 on Sunday Oct. 1.