In a highly anticipated showdown on Sunday Night of Week 2 at Arrowhead Stadium, the Bengals and Chiefs are set to face off in a clash of quarterback titans. Among the few quarterbacks who have managed to outshine Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff has emerged as a formidable opponent. Goff’s victories over Mahomes in the thrilling 54-51 Monday Night showdown between the Rams and Chiefs in 2018, as well as in last year’s kickoff game with the Detroit Lions, have solidified his status as a nemesis for the talented Chiefs QB.
However, it is Joe Burrow who truly stands out as Mahomes’ Achilles’ heel, boasting a 3-1 record against the star quarterback. Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has had Mahomes’ number since their first meeting. Speaking on the “Up & Adams” show, Burrow acknowledged the significance of their rivalry, stating, “It’s an opportunity every time you go against him too because you know all eyes are gonna be on it. It’s always exciting. We’ve played each other so many times now.”
The potential for a Brady-Manning-esque saga between Burrow and Mahomes is evident. Burrow recognizes Mahomes’ greatness, noting, “gotta go out and make plays cause you know he’s gonna go out and make plays and that brings out the best in me.” The Bengals, alongside Tom Brady’s Buccaneers, are the only team to have defeated Mahomes in the playoffs, underscoring Burrow’s ability to shine in high-pressure situations.
As Burrow enters his fifth season in the NFL, questions surrounding his durability loom large. Despite leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and an AFC Championship game when healthy, Burrow’s two season-ending injuries have raised concerns. His new contract has already resulted in Joe Mixon’s departure to the Texans, with Tee Higgins potentially following suit next year as Ja’Marr Chase eyes a lucrative extension.
Week 2’s Sunday Night matchup promises a thrilling battle between Mahomes’ Chiefs, featuring star tight end Travis Kelce and dynamic running back Isaiah Pacheco, and Burrow’s Bengals, led by Chase and Higgins. Should Burrow stay healthy this season, the prospect of a playoff rematch between Mahomes and Burrow is highly likely. However, teams like the Ravens, Texans, and Dolphins loom as potential obstacles to this anticipated showdown.
In what could be described as Mahomes’ Kryptonite, Joe Burrow has proven himself to be a worthy adversary to the reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback. Their ongoing rivalry is set to capture the attention of football fans everywhere, as two of the brightest young talents in the game continue to clash on the gridiron.
