The Cincinnati Bengals have been a staple in the NFL since their inception in 1968. However, despite having a talented roster and a loyal fan base, the team has yet to reach the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl. But according to former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, the Bengals have all the pieces in place to become a Super Bowl-caliber team, and it all starts with their quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Riddick recently made a bold statement, declaring that the Bengals have either the best or the second-best quarterback in all of football. This is high praise for a young player who has only played one season in the NFL. But for those who have watched Burrow play, it’s not hard to see why Riddick has such confidence in him.
Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a phenomenal rookie season despite playing for a struggling Bengals team. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 10 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. His performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team and the respect of his peers and coaches.
But it’s not just Burrow’s stats that make him stand out. It’s his leadership, poise, and intelligence on the field that truly sets him apart. He has a natural ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions. He also has a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his feet when needed. These are all qualities of an elite quarterback, and Burrow has them in spades.
With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals should be expected to be a Super Bowl-caliber team every single year. But as Riddick points out, that hasn’t always been the case. The Bengals have made just two playoff appearances in the last decade and have yet to win a playoff game since 1990. So what has been holding them back?
According to Riddick, it’s not Burrow’s fault. In fact, he believes that the Bengals have been wasting Burrow’s brilliance by not putting a strong supporting cast around him. This sentiment is echoed by many in the NFL community, who have criticized the Bengals for not doing enough to protect their young quarterback.
In his rookie season, Burrow was sacked 32 times and hit countless others. This lack of protection not only puts Burrow’s health at risk but also hinders his ability to make plays. The Bengals have also struggled to establish a consistent running game, putting even more pressure on Burrow to carry the team.
But the Bengals seem to be taking steps to address these issues. In the 2021 NFL Draft, they selected Burrow’s former LSU teammate, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, with the fifth overall pick. This adds another weapon to an already talented receiving corps, which includes Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins. The Bengals also signed veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff to help protect Burrow’s blind side.
These moves show that the Bengals are committed to building a strong team around Burrow and giving him the support he needs to succeed. And with Burrow’s talent and leadership, there’s no reason why the Bengals can’t become a Super Bowl contender in the near future.
In conclusion, Louis Riddick’s statement about the Bengals having one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL may seem bold, but it’s not unfounded. Joe Burrow has all the makings of an elite quarterback and has already shown that he can lead the Bengals to success. With the right pieces in place, the Bengals have the potential to become a Super Bowl-caliber team, and it’s time for them to start living up to that expectation.
