Burrow vs. the Critics – Why Is Joe Burrow Still Carrying the Blame for the Bengals’ Struggles?. Joe Burrow has done everything expected of a franchise quarterback. He’s transformed the Cincinnati Bengals into a perennial contender, delivered a Super Bowl appearance, and set franchise records along the way. Yet, as the Bengals face another season without a championship, the blame is still being placed squarely on Burrow’s shoulders. But is that fair?
The Franchise Savior Who Changed Everything
When Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020, he was seen as the savior of a struggling franchise. Before his arrival, the Bengals had been stuck in mediocrity, known more for playoff failures and roster mismanagement than for competing at the highest level. In just his second full season, Burrow led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl, giving the team and its fans a taste of success they hadn’t experienced in decades.
His stats speak for themselves:
- 2021 Season: Led the league in completion percentage (70.4%) and took the Bengals to the Super Bowl.
- 2022 Season: Another AFC Championship appearance, proving 2021 wasn’t a fluke.
- 2023 Season: Injuries derailed the Bengals’ campaign, but Burrow still showcased his elite talent when healthy.
Despite all this, the conversation around the Bengals’ shortcomings continues to focus on Burrow as the primary culprit.
Burrow vs. the Critics – Injuries, Roster Issues, and Coaching Decisions
Blaming Burrow alone ignores the context. Injuries have played a significant role in Cincinnati’s struggles, particularly in 2023 when Burrow himself was dealing with lingering issues. The offensive line, a problem since his rookie season, has improved but remains inconsistent. A team can only go as far as its protection allows, and Burrow has taken more hits than most franchise quarterbacks.
Defensive shortcomings have also played a role. While Cincinnati’s defense has had its moments, it hasn’t consistently been at an elite level to complement Burrow’s offensive production. Coaching decisions have also come under scrutiny, from Zac Taylor’s play-calling to the team’s inability to adjust in key moments.
The Unfair Burden of Expectations
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and with that comes immense pressure. Players like Patrick Mahomes have set an almost impossible standard—multiple Super Bowls in a short span of time. While Burrow has proven he can compete with the league’s best, every quarterback’s situation is different.
The narrative around quarterbacks often ignores the reality of team-building. Aaron Rodgers went more than a decade without another Super Bowl appearance despite being one of the best of all time. Dan Marino never won a ring, yet he’s still regarded as an all-time great. The expectation that Burrow must single-handedly carry Cincinnati to a championship without factoring in the entire team dynamic is unrealistic.
Burrow vs. the Critics – What’s Next for Burrow and the Bengals?
Burrow isn’t going anywhere, and the Bengals remain one of the most talented teams in the AFC. With a healthy season, improved roster depth, and better execution in big moments, there’s no reason Cincinnati can’t compete for a championship in the near future.
The bigger question isn’t whether Burrow is good enough—it’s whether the Bengals are giving him everything he needs to succeed. The blame game needs to shift toward the real issue: roster construction, coaching decisions, and the overall team performance. Until those factors are addressed, pointing fingers at Burrow alone is not only unfair but also misguided.
Cincinnati’s success isn’t just about Joe Burrow—it’s about building a complete team around him. The sooner that’s recognized, the better the Bengals’ chances of finally getting over the hump.
