The Cincinnati Bengals' aspirations for a spot in the NFL playoffs came to a definitive end this Sunday. The team suffered a crushing 24-0 defeat at home against their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, a result that mathematically eliminated them from postseason contention.
Burrow's Comeback Confirmed for Short Week
In the aftermath of the season-defining loss, head coach Zac Taylor made a significant announcement regarding the team's immediate future. He confirmed that star quarterback Joe Burrow will start on Thursday night when the Bengals face the Ravens again in a quick rematch.
Burrow has been absent from the field for the last nine games. His injury saga began on September 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he sustained a turf toe injury. Although he returned to practice in the days leading up to Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, the coaching staff opted for caution. Veteran Joe Flacco started instead, granting Burrow additional recovery time ahead of the short turnaround to Thursday's game.
Taylor's Blunt Reasoning and Burrow's Mindset
When asked about the decision to reinstate Burrow for the remainder of the regular season, Coach Taylor was straightforward. "Because we want to win," he stated plainly, underscoring the competitive drive despite the playoff elimination.
Burrow himself has been reflective recently. On Wednesday, the quarterback emphasized the importance of finding joy in the game. "If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it," Burrow said. He added, "I've been through a lot and if it's not fun, then what am I doing it for? So that's the mindset I'm trying to bring to the table." This perspective comes after a long and challenging rehabilitation period.
A Game to Forget and Historical Context
Sunday's performance was one the Bengals and their quarterback would prefer to erase. On a cold day in Cincinnati, Burrow's statistics told a grim story: 25 completions out of 39 attempts for 225 yards, with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
Burrow did not shy away from self-criticism after the game. "I think this is one of the worst games that I've played," he admitted. "I'm honest with myself and my play, and I hold myself to a high standard, and today didn't come close." Reports indicate that the last time a team led by Burrow was shut out was back in 2018, during his college days at LSU against Alabama.
With the playoffs now out of reach, the final games of the season become a platform for evaluation and building momentum for the next year. All eyes will be on Burrow's return this Thursday as he aims to end a difficult season on a more positive note.
