'Flawless' AFC QB earns multiple high marks from analyst

Published: Monday, August 11, 2025 at 8:20 pm

AFC Quarterback Draws High Praise, Faces Defensive Challenges

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, lauded for his exceptional performance, is drawing significant praise from analysts. The Athletic's Mike Sando placed him alongside Patrick Mahomes in his annual quarterback rankings. A head coach even compared him to legendary quarterback Joe Montana, stating that he is the closest thing he has seen.

Last season, the quarterback achieved a completion percentage of 70.6%, the fourth-best in the league, while throwing only nine interceptions. He surpassed 300 passing yards in seven games during the 2024 season, leading the Bengals to a late-season surge that nearly secured a playoff berth after an 0-3 start.

The team, with the quarterback at the helm, reached Super Bowl LVI, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Rams. However, the team's defense has struggled since then, ranking among the worst in the league last season, tied for 25th. This defensive weakness has contributed to losses, even when the offense performed well, scoring 30 or more points in several games.

The quarterback's individual success and the team's recent struggles highlight the need for defensive improvement. The team has also experimented with resting starters during the preseason, a strategy that has not yielded positive results. However, the recent preseason opener saw the quarterback and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase perform well in limited action.

While the quarterback and the offense are considered elite, their success hinges on defensive support. His skill set suggests the potential for consistent Super Bowl contention, but defensive improvements are crucial for the team's long-term success.

BNN's Perspective: The quarterback's individual brilliance is undeniable, and the Bengals' offense is clearly a force to be reckoned with. However, the team's defensive woes are a significant concern. The Bengals' management must prioritize strengthening the defense to capitalize on the quarterback's talent and realize their Super Bowl aspirations.

Keywords: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL, Quarterback, Mike Sando, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Montana, Passing, Defense, Super Bowl, Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals, Football, AFC

Full Story