The Cincinnati Bengals were thought to have an excellent shot at winning their first-ever Super Bowl this season, but some doubt has been cast on those chances.
Quarterback Joe Burrow had to be helped off the field on Thursday with what was reportedly diagnosed as a calf strain, and it is unknown when he will be able to return.
Burrow has been negotiating a contract extension with the Bengals, and some are predicting that once an agreement is reached, that extension will make him the NFL’s highest-paid player.
But commentator Nick Wright pointed out that one’s contract doesn’t specify how great a player he is, and he said that the gap between Burrow, whom he considers the second-best QB in the league, and Patrick Mahomes is huge.
“Joe Burrow is the 2nd best QB in football. But the gap between the 2nd best and the best is bigger than the gap between the 2nd best and the 8th best.”
— @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/h2xwXIDwcO
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 28, 2023
Burrow may not be the best, but he is very, very good, and he has received kudos for his steady hand under pressure.
He has bounced back from a horrific knee injury during his rookie season to join the ranks of the NFL’s elite the last two seasons, and last year he threw for 4,475 yards and 35 touchdowns.
The Bengals have one of the most talented rosters in football, especially on offense, and to justify their riches, they must win it all sooner than later.
Wright also pointed out the fact that star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will soon be up for a huge contract extension of his own, and the money committed to him and Burrow could force Cincinnati to jettison a few of their other key contributors.
