During the Cincinnati Bengals’ recent blowout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Joe Burrow put on an impressive five-touchdown performance.
But, despite the dominant win, Burrow was spotted looking less than thrilled on the sidelines. When asked about it afterward, he admitted there wasn’t much to be happy about, signaling his frustration with the team’s rocky start to the season.
Reflecting on his visible intensity two days later, Burrow shared that his demeanor was rooted in the Bengals’ challenging 4-5 record. The star QB noted that the way they closed out Sunday’s game was sloppy, which added to his frustrations. His serious expression was a glimpse into a growing leader unshaken by just one big win.
“Maybe I could have kept my emotions in check a bit more, but it’s something I’ve tried to work on. I know the guys in the locker room appreciate me showing that emotion, whether it’s good or bad,” Burrow said on Tuesday via ESPN. He explained that his visible reactions were intentional, as he strives to be consistent in showing his feelings, especially since he’s been more vocal by his teammates’ request.
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This season, Burrow has been excelling on the field, ranking in the NFL’s top five in completion percentage (70.2%), passing yards (2,244), touchdowns (20), and passer rating (108.1). His outstanding performance has also boosted his confidence as a leader. “I know that people feed off of my emotion in a positive way,” he noted. “But I also play my best when I’m steady—not getting too high or low emotionally.”
Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase shared that Burrow has always been a leader through his actions, but now he’s becoming more vocal, especially when it comes to holding the team accountable. “That’s always been him,” Chase said. “He’s always held himself to a high standard. Now he’s just letting everyone else know it more openly.”
With the Bengals sitting at 4-5, they’re heading into a crucial Thursday night showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. It’s a game that will demand Burrow’s best, as the Bengals work to climb out of the early-season slump and stay competitive in their division.
The Ravens have won each of their last three games against Cincinnati, making this matchup even more important. The Bengals will rely heavily on Burrow’s leadership and consistency to bring the team through the challenge.
Fans are hopeful that Burrow’s grit and leadership can help turn the season around, beginning with this high-stakes rivalry game.