As the Cincinnati Bengals head into training camp, there’s a different feeling surrounding this team. The Bengals might not be playoff contenders this year but the reason there’s any optimism whatsoever surrounding the team is that Joe Burrow is returning from injury and good to go for Week 1’s opener against the Vikings.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report backed up this sentiment, listing a healthy Joe Burrow as why the Bengals’ biggest reason for optimism in 2021.
"Drafting former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow first overall provided the Cincinnati Bengals with plenty of optimism in 2020—and as a rookie, Burrow delivered. He threw for 2,688 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games while posting a passer rating of 89.8.Unfortunately, Burrow also suffered a torn ACL in his 10th game and was lost for the season. The good news is that Burrow is on the mend and expected to be ready to go by Week 1. This, along with a retooled offensive line and the addition of wideout Ja’Marr Chase, should have the Cincinnati offense primed for a breakout season."
Bengals fans were excited for the future during Burrow’s rookie season but the injury derailed what looked to be a promising rookie campaign. Now that he’s back and has his favorite weapon from the best season a quarterback has ever had at the collegiate level, the sky is the limit for this team, especially on offense.
Joe Burrow gives Bengals fans hope in 2021.
This is an important year for the Cincinnati Bengals. Another lackluster season likely leads to Zac Taylor losing his job and the team having to go back to the head coach well next offseason. That could make it tough for Burrow to get in a flow if the team makes another poor hiring decision.
If the Bengals live up to their potential in 2021 and manage to finish the season close to .500, however, fans will feel good about the direction this team is headed in. Not finishing last in the division would also be a huge victory for the Bengals, especially considering how difficult the AFC North is.
Burrow gives the Bengals hope they haven’t had in quite some time. He’s a former Heisman Trophy winner and went No. 1 overall in 2020 because of what he did for LSU during the 2019 season. He’s the right quarterback for this team and is the reason fans should have faith that this season won’t be like the last two years.