The Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders played in a game that featured no punts and turnovers, the first time since 1940 that a game of that nature occurred. However, while the Bengals remain winless after three games, Joe Burrow deserves some recognition from that amazing 2024 Week 3 Monday Night Football game.
Against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, Burrow tallied 29 completions for 324 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Pro Bowl quarterback from LSU was even more impressive against the blitz, as Pro Football Focus pointed out.
When facing pressure, Burrow completed all ten passing attempts for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the loss, PFF awarded him an overall grade of 78.3 against the Commanders. Unfortunately, Daniels did better against his fellow former Tiger in what could be regarded as the rookie’s coming-out game.
Joe Burrow vs the blitz in Week 3
— PFF (@PFF) September 24, 2024
10/10
156 yards
2 TDs pic.twitter.com/4C9XjvsUkD
Meanwhile, doing well against the blitz won’t mean anything if Burrow can’t lead the Bengals to victory. Sadly, they are in a 0-3 hole despite losing by a combined 12 points. However, Cincinnati has previously overcome slow starts before making respectable postseason runs.
Therefore, the Bengals are still in the mix, taking it one game at a time. Of course, it would help if Burrow could play like he did against Washington, not just against blitzes. However, as he has done in the past, counting him out is unwise.
-Lance Fernandez