As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, quarterback Joe Burrow appears quite relieved knowing he won’t be up against defensive legend Fletcher Cox. When asked about Cox ahead of the game, Burrow humorously commented, “I hope he’s sitting on a couch somewhere enjoying a nice steak, far from the field.“
Why is Burrow so happy? This likely stems from his unforgettable experience during his rookie season, where Cox “shattered” the Bengals’ offense, adding in some memorable trash talk. With Cox having retired this past summer, Burrow has a reason to feel lighter facing the Eagles this time around.
However, the absence of Cox doesn’t mean an easy game for Burrow. The Eagles’ defense still boasts formidable players like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith Jr., who’ve quickly proven their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Adding to the challenge, Burrow’s protection line is weakened with key player Orlando Brown Jr., the left tackle, dealing with an injury. Brown’s absence will make Burrow’s task more difficult, as he prepares to counter the Eagles’ relentless defensive power.
On top of that, the Bengals’ offense has just come off two grueling matchups against teams with similarly strong defenses. This makes Week 8 a true test, as Burrow and the Bengals look to protect their defense and exploit rare weaknesses in the Eagles’ lineup for any potential advantage.
Burrow may joke about Cox’s absence, but he knows that the Eagles’ defense remains a potent threat. The Week 8 game promises to be an intense showdown, challenging Burrow as he leads his team amid the continued struggles of the Bengals’ defensive line against such relentless pressure from opponents.
