The summer plan for former LSU football QB Joe Burrow is unorthodox

Former LSU football quarterback Joe Burrow will face some unique challenges this summer.

LSU football‘s Joe Burrow, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, will have extremely high expectations placed on him as a rookie.

That’s what happens when you dominate college football and end up being the consensus top draft pick.

Burrow is as well suited as anyone to handle those expectations. The former Tigers standout plays with a lot of confidence. And his leadership abilities are beyond elite.

But living up to the high expectations in 2020 won’t be easy for Burrow, thanks to the unique challenges that this summer will present.

An offseason unlike any other for Joe Burrow

Thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Burrow hasn’t been able to go through in-person rookie minicamps. And he won’t be able to go through in-person OTA’s, either.

That’s a problem for all NFL players. But it’s an even bigger problem for a rookie who has already been anointed as Cincinnati’s starting quarterback.

Regardless of how much talent Burrow possesses, or how good his leadership skills are, he still needs reps with his teammates. Chemistry isn’t built overnight. It’s built through countless hours on the field, going over plays, connecting with teammates on a deeper level than what’s possible during zoom video chats.

Because of the pandemic, Burrow’s offseason plans (via ESPN) include going through zoom meetings and calling out plays/formations/protections to his teammates…..which sounds incredibly awkward.

It’s better than nothing, but it’s no substitute for the real thing.

I’m not saying I expect Burrow to struggle to start the season. I have no idea how he’ll perform (no one does). But I know that he’s going to have to work harder this offseason than most rookies have to work during a typical offseason.

Of course, that shouldn’t be a problem for Burrow. His ability to focus on winning and getting better is second to none. If any rookie can handle this odd offseason, it’s Joe Burrow.