Joe Burrow’s season with the Cincinnati Bengals would not necessarily be considered a “failure” if the team misses the playoffs, but it could certainly be seen as a disappointment, especially considering the expectations surrounding the franchise. Burrow, coming off a strong 2021 season where he led the Bengals to the Super Bowl, entered 2022 with high hopes of building on that momentum and cementing himself as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. With an explosive offense, a solid defense, and a highly regarded coaching staff led by Zac Taylor, the Bengals were projected to make another deep playoff run.
However, if Cincinnati fails to reach the postseason, several factors could contribute to that outcome, and the blame shouldn’t fall squarely on Burrow. The Bengals’ 2023 campaign has been riddled with challenges, many of which have been beyond Burrow’s control. In particular, Burrow’s performance in the early part of the season was impacted by a calf injury that caused him to miss valuable training time and slowed his on-field development. Despite his remarkable talent and leadership, Burrow’s recovery from injury affected his timing with the receivers and his overall effectiveness early in the season, which could have hindered the team’s success.
Furthermore, while Burrow’s individual performance has remained strong throughout the season, he can only do so much. Football is a team sport, and the Bengals’ success relies on various factors, including the offensive line’s ability to protect Burrow, the running game’s effectiveness, and the defense’s consistency. A lack of execution in any of these areas could significantly impact the team’s playoff chances, even if Burrow plays at a high level.
If the Bengals do miss the playoffs, it might reflect broader systemic issues rather than a failure on Burrow’s part. The quarterback has demonstrated his resilience, leadership, and elite skill set in his career so far. A postseason miss would be frustrating for Burrow and the team, but it doesn’t tarnish his potential or long-term prospects.
In conclusion, Joe Burrow’s season with the Bengals would only be considered a “failure” if the team failed to address key weaknesses across all phases of the game. Burrow is still young, incredibly talented, and has plenty of time to reach his full potential. A playoff miss in one season should not define his legacy or career, and it is too early to label it a failure considering the external factors that impacted the Bengals’ campaign.
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