In August, the Cincinnati Bengals’ coaches witnessed a defining moment as Joe Burrow, the quarterback who had led their franchise out of obscurity and onto the NFL’s biggest stages after three decades, returned to form. Despite recovering from a torn wrist ligament, it was clear that Burrow was not just back to his old self, but he was in complete and total command of his game.
“He was manipulating his protection. He was moving skill guys on his own. He was using the pieces to figure out what the defense was doing,” observed the coaches.
Burrow, known for his football IQ and ability to read defenses, showed that he was getting even smarter on the field. His injuries may have been a setback, but his ability to process the game mentally, while physically recovering, was a testament to his resilience and determination.
“I had a lot of time coming back to think about checks against certain defenses that I like,” Burrow reflected. “That’s been a big emphasis for me over the last month and a half. I’m seeing things really well right now. The throwing part is getting better and better, each day the more reps that I get. My arm is really strong down the field right now, which I’m really happy with.”
As Burrow continued to improve and push himself, those watching him closely noted that he was becoming even tougher to defend in ways that weren’t immediately obvious to casual fans at the training camp. His ability to take command of the game and make split-second decisions showed that he was truly a rising star in the league.
In the end, it was clear that Burrow was not just a talented quarterback, but a student of the game, constantly evolving and honing his skills to reach new heights. The Bengals’ coaches were thrilled to see their leader back in action, knowing that he had the potential to take the team to even greater success in the upcoming season.
