Joe Burrow Shines in Bengals Preseason Opener
Joe Burrow shines in Bengals preseason opener as the Cincinnati quarterback delivers a crisp, commanding performance in his first game of the year, showing he is ready to hit the ground running when the regular season begins.
Playing against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, Burrow completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrating back-to-back scoring drives and looking every bit in midseason form. The outing was significant not only for its efficiency but also because it marked the most extensive preseason action of Burrow’s NFL career.
Precision from the First Snap
From the opening series, Burrow demonstrated why he is considered one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. He connected with Ja’Marr Chase on a trademark back-shoulder throw down the sideline, perfectly timed and placed beyond the defender’s reach. On a crucial third down, he found Tee Higgins with a strike that moved the chains.
Burrow also showed patience and field vision, checking down to running back Chase Brown, who broke a tackle for a significant gain. On another play, he rolled out under pressure and delivered a touchdown pass — though a penalty negated that one.
The highlight of the night came when Burrow stood firm against an unblocked blitz from linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and delivered a dart to Chase, who turned upfield and sprinted 36 yards for the score.
“That’s our identity,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said during the team’s broadcast. “That’s what we’re all about.”
Breaking a Preseason Pattern
Until now, Burrow’s August appearances have been brief and cautious. In 2021, recovering from ACL surgery, he played only three snaps in a preseason game and threw one pass. Last summer, returning from a wrist injury, he managed one series against Tampa Bay, throwing seven passes and a touchdown to Higgins.
In Thursday’s game, Burrow’s comfort level was clear. He processed reads quickly, releasing the ball before pressure arrived on most plays, yet still completed two deep throws over 18 air yards and the blitz-beating touchdown to Chase.
For Burrow, this preseason action was not just about the scoreboard. It was about feeling live pressure, working the pocket, and building rhythm — factors he believes will help the Bengals avoid the slow starts that have plagued them. Since drafting Burrow in 2020, Cincinnati is 1–9 in the first two games of the season, a stretch marked by his injuries and limited preseason reps.
The Numbers Tell the Story
When Burrow is healthy, the difference is stark. Since 2020:
| Metric | First Two Games (2020–2024) | Remainder of Season | NFL Rank (Rest of Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA per dropback | -0.10 | 0.12 | 5th |
| Passer rating | 81.9 | 104.5 | 2nd |
| Completion rate | 63.4% | 69.5% | 1st |
| TD–INT ratio | 1.6–1 | 3.4–1 | 4th |
| Record | 1–9 | 37–21–1 | — |
Those numbers underline why a healthy, preseason-tested Burrow is critical to Cincinnati’s success.
Looking Ahead
Head coach Zac Taylor had initially planned for Burrow and the starters to play even more snaps in the Bengals’ next preseason game — a Monday Night Football matchup against Washington on August 18. However, Thursday’s performance might prompt a reassessment. The coaching staff could decide that Burrow has already seen enough live action to be ready for the Week 1 game.
The Bengals are expected to rest all starters in their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Cincinnati opens the regular season on the road against the Cleveland Browns on September 7, followed by its home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14. Both games will test whether Burrow’s expanded preseason preparation can translate into a faster start for a team with Super Bowl ambitions.
For the official Bengals roster, schedule, and ticket information, visit the Cincinnati Bengals official site.
