How Joe Burrow is changing the Cincinnati Bengals’ culture
By Zach Ragan
Former LSU football quarterback Joe Burrow is off to an 0-2 start in the NFL.
Former LSU football quarterback Joe Burrow was the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals because he is an excellent field general that excels at breaking down defenses and making plays.
But that’s not the only reason Burrow was the top pick in this year’s draft — he’s also a great leader who elevates the play of those around him.
And that’s exactly what Burrow is beginning to do in Cincinnati.
Joe Burrow won’t accept losing
On Thursday night, the Bengals lost their second game of the season, after falling 35-30 to the Cleveland Browns.
This isn’t exactly shocking. Cincinnati was terrible in 2019 and one player (Burrow) isn’t going to suddenly turn the Bengals into a playoff contender. Cincinnati needs some major offensive line help, among other issues. But considering those issues, the Bengals have played well to start the 2020 season — even though it hasn’t resulted in a win yet.
Burrow, however, isn’t satisfied with playing well (and he’s played well so far, Burrow tossed for 316 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the Bengals’ loss to the Browns).
The former LSU signal-caller is only interested in wins. And he’s mad the Bengals aren’t winning.
“This might be the only time in my sports career that I’ve lost two games in a row,” said Burrow after the loss on Thursday night (via Marisa Contipelli). “Losing is unacceptable to me, everyone in there, Coach (Zac) Taylor and everyone in this organization. We’re going to have to get it fixed.”
I’m not surprised to see this attitude from Burrow. He’s the ultimate competitor. And he’s exactly what the Bengals need.
Next. Chris Fowler perfectly sums up Joe Burrow as a player. dark
The culture change in Cincinnati is just getting underway, but I think it’s clear that Burrow already has this franchise heading in the right direction.