CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is notoriously tough when it comes to his self-evaluation.
But at the midway point of his rookie season, Burrow is pleased with what he’s done, telling reporters that the first eight games of his pro career are just a glimpse of his potential.
“I’m just scratching the surface on where I can be and where I can go,” Burrow said Wednesday. “So, that’s the most exciting thing for me.”
The Bengals (2-5-1) have leaned on the 2020 top overall draft pick throughout the season, and the rookie has responded. He is third in the NFL with 2,272 passing yards heading into Week 9, which is on pace to beat Andrew Luck’s rookie record set in 2012.
Burrow leads the league in passing attempts and completions but has remained efficient despite the high volume. Burrow is ranked 13th in the NFL in completion percentage over expectation, according to NFL Next Gen Stats data.
Last week, Burrow was 26-of-37 for 249 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks in a 31-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. The victory ended a three-game losing streak and was the first over a winning team during second-year coach Zac Taylor’s tenure.
After his debut loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, Burrow gave himself a D — even though he nearly engineered a comeback victory that was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty in the final minute.
Burrow was still realistic about where he needed to improve as Cincinnati enters its off week. The rookie said he wants to stop creating plays that could result in turnovers. Burrow had one late interception against the Titans taken off the board because of a defensive penalty.
“That’s the biggest thing for me right now,” Burrow said. “It’s just limit the turnovers [and] ball security in the pocket, because you know pass-rushers in this league are coming for the ball — they aren’t coming for sacks.”
Burrow’s coaches and teammates have consistently praised the rookie throughout the season. Earlier this week, Bengals defensive tackle Mike Daniels said Burrow should be the front-runner to win the NFL’s Rookie of the Year award.
Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Boyd reiterated that sentiment Wednesday and said the rookie improves weekly, is confident and “absolutely” should be considered for the honor.
“I’m not just saying that because he’s on our team, but he shows it each and every week,” Boyd said. “He never lets the team down or any critics or politics or anything like that. He comes every day to work and he proves himself.
“As long as he continues to ball and perform, why shouldn’t he be the No. 1 candidate?”
When the Bengals drafted Burrow with the franchise’s first No. 1 pick since the 2003 draft, they were hoping to find a long-term quarterback to replace Andy Dalton, who was released this offseason after nine seasons in Cincinnati. On Monday, Taylor said he was “certainly glad” the Bengals drafted Burrow, who was in the same draft class as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa.
Burrow was asked to grade himself after his first eight NFL games. Although he didn’t give a direct answer this time, it’s clear the quarterback believes he earned passing marks.
“Obviously, there’s a lot to improve,” Burrow said. “I’m nowhere near where I can be or need to be, but I think I’m off to a pretty good start.”
