Bengals: T.J. Houshmandzadeh has a lofty projection for Joe Burrow

Bengals’ legend T.J. Houshmandzadeh predicts that rookie quarterback Joe Burrow will eventually be a top-five quarterback in the league.

Ever since Joe Burrow began his rapid ascent in his final year at LSU, he’s been receiving incredible praise. Whether it be comparisons to all-time greats or admiration of his skill-set and attributes, there has been no shortage of people lining up to discuss his potential. Bengals’ legend T.J. Houshmandzadeh becomes the latest to do so, making perhaps the boldest prediction for the young signal-caller so far.

Through four games, Burrow has put on an absolute show, leaving no doubt that the franchise has found their quarterback for the future. He’s thrown for 1,121 yards and six touchdowns on his way to reaching new heights for a first-year quarterback. That’s been enough for Houshmandzadeh to project an elite future for Cincinnati’s new gun-slinger,

"“Joe Burrow is going to be a top ten quarterback in two years and a top-five quarterback for the rest of his career…They solidify that offensive line and it’s over.” (via Bengals.com)"

Burrow has been keeping the Bengals competitive, despite having zero preseason games to prepare and dealing with intense pressure. With upgrades to the offensive line undoubtedly on the way after this year and more experience to come, it’s difficult to imagine any other scenario than the one Houshmandzadeh predicts.

A big opportunity awaits Joe Burrow in week five

If Burrow is going to prove Houshmandzadeh right, he’ll have to show up against the best competition, oftentimes, teams featuring other premier quarterbacks. The divisional matchup set for Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens certainly checks off both of those boxes.

Cincinnati unsurprisingly comes in as a two-touchdown underdog against the reigning league MVP, Lamar Jackson, and his squad. It’ll be Burrow’s first matchup against a truly elite club, providing him with his first opportunity to show just how much he can elevate the Bengals on his own.

If Burrow can keep week five’s contest close, or even pull off the upset against Baltimore’s stellar defense, it would be another step towards proving Houshmandzadeh right for his high expectations.