The Cincinnati Bengals have been making headlines recently, but unfortunately, not for the right reasons. The team’s struggles on the field have been well-documented, with their record currently standing at a disappointing 2-6-1. However, amidst all the chaos and losses, there is one bright spot that shines through – their quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has been nothing short of impressive in his rookie season. He has shown poise, leadership, and a remarkable ability to make plays under pressure. Despite being surrounded by a struggling team, Burrow has managed to put up impressive numbers, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in just nine games.
It’s clear that Burrow has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the Bengals are lucky to have him. However, it seems that the team is not doing enough to support their young star. In fact, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently made a case for the Bengals to pay their All-Pro defender, Geno Atkins, in order to help Burrow succeed.
Atkins, a defensive tackle for the Bengals, has been a dominant force on the field for years. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and has been named a First-Team All-Pro twice. However, despite his impressive resume, Atkins has been underutilized by the Bengals this season, with only 15% of defensive snaps.
Orlovsky argues that the Bengals need to pay Atkins and put him back on the field to help their struggling defense. He believes that having a strong and experienced defender like Atkins will not only improve the team’s defense but also take some pressure off of Burrow. With Atkins on the field, opposing teams will have to worry about both the Bengals’ offense and defense, making it easier for Burrow to make plays and lead his team to victory.
But it’s not just about the defense. The Bengals also need to invest in their offensive line to protect Burrow. The young quarterback has been sacked a league-leading 32 times, putting him at risk of injury. This is a major concern, especially considering Burrow’s potential and the fact that he is the future of the franchise.
The Bengals need to take a lesson from other successful teams in the league, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, who have invested in their offensive lines to protect their star quarterbacks. By doing so, they have not only ensured the safety of their players but also given them the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
It’s time for the Bengals to step up and do everything in their power to support their young quarterback. Burrow has proven that he has what it takes to be a top quarterback in the NFL, and it’s the team’s responsibility to put him in a position to succeed. Paying Atkins and investing in the offensive line are just some of the steps the Bengals can take to improve their team and give Burrow the support he needs.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals have a gem in Joe Burrow, and it’s essential that they do everything in their power to help him succeed. Paying Geno Atkins and investing in the offensive line are just some of the ways the team can support their young star. It’s time for the Bengals to make a change and show that they are committed to building a successful team around their talented quarterback. Let’s hope they take Orlovsky’s advice and make the necessary changes to turn things around for the better.
