Joe Burrow is the NFL’s Least Protected QB
Joe Burrow, the star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, has proven time and again that he is one of the league’s elite players. However, despite his MVP-caliber performances, Burrow has consistently faced a troubling issue—he is the least protected quarterback in the NFL when it comes to officiating.
Throughout the 2023 season, Burrow endured multiple uncalled hits to the head, knees, and upper body—blows that would typically draw penalties if they happened to other quarterbacks. Yet, the refs have repeatedly failed to call these infractions, leaving fans, analysts, and even players questioning why the league isn’t offering Burrow the same level of protection as other high-profile QBs.
Burrow’s Injury Struggles and Road to Recovery
While Burrow has consistently delivered top-tier performances, he has done so while battling injuries. During a recent appearance on Pardon My Take from Barstool Sports, Burrow, now 28 years old, spoke about the lingering effects of his wrist injury and surgery from November 2023.
“Whenever you have a ligament injury, it takes about two years for the joint to regain full range of motion and feel completely normal,” Burrow said.
Despite not being fully recovered, Burrow played through significant discomfort, leading his team to another competitive season. His resilience has solidified his reputation as one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL today.
Joe Burrow: The 2024 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Against all odds, Burrow’s perseverance paid off. He was honored as the 2024 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, an award that recognizes players who overcome significant adversity. His presence at the NFL Honors at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans on Thursday night was a testament to his incredible journey back to the top.
MVP-Caliber Performance Despite Adversity
Even without 100% mobility in his wrist, Burrow delivered an outstanding season for the Bengals. He finished fourth in the NFL MVP race, proving that he remains one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
Here’s a breakdown of Burrow’s exceptional 2023 season:
- Completed over 70% of his passes—despite attempting more passes than any other QB in the league.
- Threw for 4,918 yards—showcasing his ability to move the ball downfield with precision.
- Scored 43 total touchdowns—establishing himself as one of the league’s most prolific scorers.
- Played in all 17 games—despite concerns about his wrist recovery.
Burrow’s ability to perform at such a high level despite his physical setbacks makes his Comeback Player of the Year award even more impressive.
Why Isn’t Burrow Getting the Same Protection as Other QBs?
One of the biggest concerns for Bengals fans is the lack of protection Burrow receives from referees. The NFL has strict rules in place to protect quarterbacks, but for some reason, those rules don’t seem to apply to Burrow as consistently as they do for other top-tier QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts.
Some of the uncalled hits Burrow endured this season include:
- Blows to the head that should have resulted in roughing the passer penalties.
- Hits to his knees that could have caused serious ligament injuries.
- Defenders landing on him with full body weight, which is explicitly banned in the NFL rulebook.
Despite these repeated violations, officiating crews rarely threw flags in Burrow’s favor. This has led many to question whether there is an officiating bias against him—or if the league simply isn’t prioritizing his safety the way it does for other franchise quarterbacks.
The Bengals’ Offensive Line Struggles: Another Factor in Burrow’s Tough Season
In addition to the lack of protection from referees, Burrow also had to deal with a Bengals offensive line that struggled to keep him upright. While Cincinnati has made strides in improving their pass protection, Burrow still faced significant pressure throughout the season.
Consider these stats:
- The Bengals allowed one of the highest sack rates among playoff-contending teams.
- Burrow was hit more than any other top-tier quarterback in the league.
- His quick decision-making was essential in avoiding even more sacks and pressures.
If Cincinnati wants to maximize Burrow’s long-term success, they must continue to invest in their offensive line and ensure that their franchise quarterback is better protected in 2024 and beyond.
What’s Next for Burrow and the Bengals?
With the 2024 season on the horizon, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are focused on making another deep playoff run. The team has all the pieces to be a serious Super Bowl contender, but they must:
- Ensure Burrow’s full recovery: While he played through discomfort, a fully healthy Burrow in 2024 could be even more dangerous.
- Strengthen the offensive line: Reducing sacks and pressures will allow Burrow to maximize his efficiency.
- Address officiating concerns: The Bengals organization may need to push for more accountability from NFL officials regarding the lack of protection for their star QB.
If these improvements are made, Burrow could find himself not just as a Comeback Player of the Year but as a legitimate MVP and Super Bowl champion in 2024.
Final Thoughts
Despite facing questionable officiating, injuries, and relentless defensive pressure, Joe Burrow remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. His 2023 campaign was nothing short of incredible, proving that he has the talent, toughness, and leadership to carry the Bengals to new heights.
With a strong offseason and improved protection, Burrow’s best football may still be ahead of him. As he continues to fight for his place among the game’s elite, one thing is certain—Joe Burrow isn’t going anywhere.
