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4 reasons the media are split on Tua, Burrow, and the Cincinnati Bengals

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers walks off the field after winning the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl 28-63 over the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers walks off the field after winning the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl 28-63 over the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 9: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 38-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 9: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 38-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Despite injury, which happens in football, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had three seasons of sustained success, including a Heisman Trophy and a national championship of his own. Conversely, Burrow had a season, unlike anything fans, have ever seen. It begs the question as to whether it can be done again.

To sample all national media is to see that it’s closer to a split than a pro-Burrow fanbase or local media would concede. However, it’s also worth noting that for those who love to cherry-pick numbers, frame a pro-Burrow narrative, or simply avoid a contradiction of facts, Tagovailoa has been better over a longer period of time.

Hey, facts are fact.

Now, does that mean Tua is better or should be the first pick for the Bengals? No, it doesn’t. But for those who actually get paid to watch, obsess over, and digest film and then have to go on national TV and talk about an opinion, it’s worth noting.

If totality of numbers mean anything, and they do, a fair argument can be made by the Bengals for Tagovailoa. If they are to only rely on a one-season snapshot and a thirsty-for-success fanbase who has fallen head over heels for Burrow, then Joe is the guy.

The bottom line is that the media making an argument for the Bengals taking a long look at Tua is both smart and reasonable. It would also be professional malpractice for the organization to avoid responsible due diligence. Fans CAN have it both. But ignoring the success Tagovailoa had at Alabama because it counters a fan narrative is all kinds of foolish.

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