Teams around the NFL dream of hitting a home run like the Cincinnati Bengals did when they had the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and came away with quarterback Joe Burrow. The LSU product has been everything and more that the Bengals could have hoped for, helping turn around the downtrodden franchise almost instantly.
In his first three seasons as the starter, Joe Burrow has already had to overcome adversity, tearing his ACL during his rookie season. He responded in a big way, leading the Bengals to their first playoff win in 31 years in Year 2, advancing to the Super Bowl.
Year 3 was another impressive performance from Joe Burrow. While the team fell short in an AFC Championship Game rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bengals announced their presence as perennial contenders in the conference. With one of the best young quarterbacks in the league-leading their offense, the Bengals are in good hands.
What can we expect from the team and their leader heading into Year 4? Here are three early bold predictions for Joe Burrow for the 2023 season.
3. Sets Career-Highs In Yardage, Touchdowns
Joe Burrow has been extremely productive thus far in his career despite some less-than-ideal circumstances. The ACL injury could have certainly set him back and the Bengals have worked tirelessly on finding offensive line upgrades to keep him upright.
Despite those obstacles, he has put up some gaudy numbers thus far in his career. In 2023, Joe Burrow is going to take things to another level. He is going to break the illustrious 5,000-yard plateau, something that has only been done 15 times in NFL history by nine different players; the former No. 1 overall pick will become No. 16 and No. 10.
In addition to the yardage, Joe Burrow will increase his touchdown output for a third consecutive season. He threw for 35 last season and this year he will reach the 40-touchdown plateau, a milestone that has been reached 19 times in NFL history by 10 different players.
2. Ball Security Improves
The only real knock against Joe Burrow thus far in his career is that he throws a few too many interceptions. He has thrown double-digit interceptions in two consecutive seasons, something that the Bengals would assuredly like to see him cut back on a little bit.
Part of the reason causing some of those turnovers is certainly the performance of the offensive line. Joe Burrow has been hit as much as any quarterback since he entered the league and the Bengals have made some moves to try and alleviate that issue the last two offseasons.
With a new left tackle in Orlando Brown Jr., another step forward will be taken in 2023. That will lead to Joe Burrow throwing single-digit interceptions in a full season for the first time in his career; as a rookie, he threw only five but played in only 10 games before injuring his knee.
1. Joe Burrow Takes Home MVP Award
The Bengals are primed to once again contend for a Super Bowl this upcoming season. Joe Burrow is surrounded by some elite talent on the offensive side of the ball and he is going to turn it into the best accolade a player can receive.
He is going to take home his first MVP award, adding to a trophy case that already includes a Comeback Player of the Year award and one Pro Bowl nomination. This season he will add the MVP, his first All-Pro and a second Pro Bowl spot.
In addition to the personal accolades, the Bengals are going to find plenty of success on the field. They will win the AFC North and the road to the Super Bowl will go through the jungle in Cincinnati.
