Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have experienced a rollercoaster of a season, and with the playoff race still tight, the prospect of missing the postseason raises important questions about Burrow’s future and the team’s overall direction. While Burrow has certainly shown he has the skills to be an elite quarterback, missing the playoffs would cast a shadow over what could be seen as a missed opportunity in his young career. But what would this mean for both Burrow and the Bengals?
Burrow’s Growth and Legacy
Joe Burrow has had a solid start to his career, but if the Bengals miss the playoffs, it would highlight a critical gap in his performance: consistency throughout the regular season. While Burrow has been exceptional in key moments, and his potential is undeniable, it’s clear that for him to solidify his place as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, he must prove that he can lead a team to the playoffs year after year.
For context, quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes have made the playoffs consistently, with Mahomes and Allen already having multiple 10-win seasons under their belts. Burrow, on the other hand, has only been a part of one Bengals team in his career that finished with more than 10 wins, and missing the playoffs would suggest that he’s still working toward that elite level of consistency.
While many great quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees, have missed the playoffs during their prime years, missing the postseason would put Burrow in a position where he would need to prove that his individual brilliance can translate into regular-season success. Unlike other quarterbacks who have had more stable team performances, Burrow and the Bengals have faced some significant hurdles, including injuries to key players and defensive struggles.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Outlook
A missed playoff berth would also raise questions about the team around Burrow. While the Bengals have been a promising team under head coach Zac Taylor, their inability to secure a playoff spot would reflect poorly on the overall roster construction and coaching decisions. The Bengals have one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL, led by Ja’Marr Chase, and yet the team has not been able to find the consistency necessary to make a deeper playoff run.
Injuries have certainly played a role, and the Bengals have dealt with several key players missing time, but this highlights the fragility of the team’s success. Unlike other top teams, such as the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs, the Bengals have struggled to maintain their level of play when facing adversity. If they miss the playoffs, it will raise questions about the team’s ability to build around Burrow effectively, particularly in terms of defensive stability and roster depth.
Burrow’s Future and Expectations
For Burrow, missing the playoffs this year doesn’t mean his career is over, but it would indicate that his journey to becoming an elite quarterback is still a work in progress. He would join the ranks of other legendary quarterbacks like Dan Marino and Drew Brees, who, despite their brilliance, fell short of postseason appearances during certain years.
However, Burrow’s case differs from those of the aforementioned quarterbacks in one significant way: He has already proven he can reach the highest level, taking the Bengals to the Super Bowl just a couple of years ago. For him to truly step into the upper echelon of quarterbacks, he needs to consistently bring his team to the postseason and, ultimately, win championships. A failure to make the playoffs this year would certainly put more pressure on him to elevate his game next season and beyond.
The Bengals’ Future
As for the Bengals, if they miss the playoffs, it could signal a need for a shift in their approach. The team may need to look at improving their defense and addressing issues on the offensive line. Additionally, contract situations with key players like Tee Higgins could become more complex, potentially forcing the Bengals to make tough decisions about the roster. The team has a window of opportunity with Burrow under center, but that window could close if they fail to make the necessary improvements and maintain consistency.
In conclusion, missing the playoffs would be a significant setback for both Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. For Burrow, it would be a reminder that greatness isn’t just defined by individual talent, but by the ability to lead a team consistently over the course of a season. For the Bengals, it would serve as a wake-up call to reevaluate their roster and coaching strategies. The potential is there, but the clock is ticking for both Burrow and the Bengals to fulfill their lofty expectations.