How the Bengals are wasting the best version of Joe Burrow that NFL has seen!

Joe Burrow is having a stellar 2024 NFL season, performing at an elite level despite ongoing challenges. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is delivering some of his best stats ever, yet the team’s struggles raise concerns about whether they are wasting his prime years. With defensive issues and a lack of organizational investment, the Bengals may be squandering their chance to build a championship-caliber team around one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.

Joe Burrow’s elite 2024 performance

In 2024, Joe Burrow is putting up career-best numbers. He’s thrown for 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions, boasting a 72.3% completion rate and a QBR of 73.6, which ranks second in the league. His composure under pressure is unmatched, as seen in a recent duel with Lamar Jackson, where Burrow completed 7 of 9 passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite his success, Burrow is focused on improving even more, especially as he continues recovering from an injury. “I still think there’s another level of improvement that I can get to,” he said, citing areas like ball location and spin rate. His ability to self-assess and continue pushing for better results highlights why he’s one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

Defensive struggles holding the Team back

While Burrow has been exceptional, the Bengals defense has been a significant weak point. They’ve allowed a 53% success rate on designed runs, one of the worst in the NFL, which has cost the team multiple games. For example, Derrick Henry’s 51-yard game-winning run against the Bengals exposed their inability to close out games.

The defense’s decline has put immense pressure on Joe Burrow to make big plays just to keep the team competitive. The struggles extend beyond the field, with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo facing criticism. However, the issue isn’t just coaching; it’s systemic. The Bengals haven’t invested enough in their defense, and their scouting department has failed to draft top-tier talent to fill the gaps left by departing players.

Organizational shortcomings & missed opportunities

The Cincinnati Bengals’ reluctance to invest in both players and infrastructure is another key issue. Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and star receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals rank only 16th in player spending. Their hesitation to secure long-term contracts for these stars is concerning, especially given how important they are to the offense.

Beyond player contracts, the team’s overall infrastructure is lacking. A recent NFLPA player survey revealed poor rankings in areas like locker rooms and nutrition services, painting a picture of an organization not fully committed to supporting its players. These deficiencies, while not directly affecting on-field performance, reflect a broader issue of underinvestment in the team’s success.

Wasting Joe Burrow’s championship window

At 27, Joe Burrow is entering the peak of his career. Yet, with a disappointing 1-4 start to the season, the Bengals are at risk of missing the playoffs. History shows that only 5.9% of teams starting 1-4 make the postseason, making their situation even more urgent. Despite his brilliant play, Burrow expressed frustration, stating, “We’re not a championship-level team right now… and we have to get better.”

If the Bengals don’t make significant changes, they risk squandering the best years of Joe Burrow’s career. Teams across the league would kill to have a quarterback like Burrow, but the Bengals’ unwillingness to fully invest in the team’s future could mean missing out on a Super Bowl during Burrow’s prime.

Conclusion: time for urgent changes

Joe Burrow is playing at an elite level, but the Cincinnati Bengals are not keeping pace. With ongoing defensive issues and a lack of organizational commitment, they are in danger of wasting Burrow’s best years. If the Bengals want to maximize their championship potential, they need to invest more in both defense and player development.

Without immediate changes, the Bengals may find themselves looking back on this era with regret, knowing they had one of the best quarterbacks in the league but failed to build the championship team he deserved.