Joe Burrow’s 2024 season may go down as the best ever by a quarterback without being crowned MVP.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are still alive thanks to a dramatic overtime win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17.
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Cincinnati needs to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in their final game of the regular season alongside the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins losing at least one of their last two games, and the Broncos to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18.
It is a long shot. And if it wasn’t for the man they call Joey Ice, the Bengals’ slim chances would have expired long ago.
Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and added a score on the ground via a QB sneak in the 30-24 victory over the Broncos.
He is the only player ever to manage at least 250 yards and three passing touchdowns for eight straight games.
“POP IT SHIEST,” Chase said on X, referring to the Joe Sheisty nickname he earned for being so inconsiderate to opposing defenses.
Burrow has thrown for 4,641 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions in 2024.
Providing he doesn’t rack up two picks against the Steelers, he will join two future Hall of Famers with a historic season.
Only two quarterbacks have over 4,500 passing yards, over 40 passing touchdowns, and fewer than 10 interceptions.
Tom Brady in 2007 and Aaron Rodgers in 2011.
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But despite Burrow’s weekly heroics, he still trails favorite Josh Allen and two-time winner Lamar Jackson in the MVP race, per the latest bookies odds.
The main difference? Wins.
The 2007 Patriots went 16-0, the 2011 Packers were 15-1.
And while Burrow cannot do anything about his defense, the MVP award has long been understood to reflect the performance of an entire roster.
Brady has five career losses when his team scored 33 or more points – the Bengals have already done it four times this season.
Still, there are plenty of people fighting Burrow’s corner.
“I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and not say that he’s the best player in the world,” said head coach Zach Taylor.
“Joe Burrow’s season is one for the ages no matter if they make the playoffs or not,” added radio host Damon Amendolara on X. “That’s another incredible performance. How many different ways can you have your heart dragged out of your body, only to keep fighting back for the win.”
“Joe Burrow got sacked 7 times and still threw for 412 yards with 4 total TDS with the season on the line. MY GAWD!!,” former NFL QB turned analyst Robert Griffin III posted.
Ex-running back Maurice Jones-Drew says Burrow should be the nailed-on MVP if the Bengals make the playoffs.
“Joe Burrow, right now, if they make the playoffs, he’s probably going to win MVP if that happens,” he told NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe before the Broncos game.
Asked if Burrow should also win Comeback Player of the Year, he added: “Both of them. Give ’em all to him.
“If there’s one quarterback that I would have on my team, it’s Joe Burrow.
“He’s the only one that’s beaten Patrick Mahomes consistently. He’s the only one who’s taken his team to Buffalo and won in the playoffs. He’s the only one that takes on the Ravens head-on and wins.
“Yes, Joe Burrow and this offense, they’re going to have to carry this team all the way throughout.
“They’ve done it before. If the Bengals can keep this thing up, I’m telling you, there’s nothing any other sport can do if the Bengals get in, because it’s going to be must-watch TV if they’re playing.”
All Burrow can do is focus on his own game. The Steelers are already in the postseason but will not do him any favors.
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