Bengals: 3 key observations on Joe Burrow from Week 1 victory

Joe Burrow entered the game wanting to take a hit to remember what it feels like, but the offensive line was too porous.

Burrow took his first hit after injury and was able to pop up and continue going in the game.

Then he took another hit.

And another.

And another.

And another.

All in all, the Bengals gave up five sacks and Burrow had to continue moving forward after each one of them.

There are likely a few things that need to change. One is the offensive line needs to get better. There was too much pressure up the middle where a defensive player was immediately in Burrow’s face. Some of these pressures were off basic formations by the defense, but the ones that Burrow needs to focus on are when the defense brings extra pressure.

The part Burrow can work on is recognizing the defensive schemes and helping put blockers where he needs them. Last year, Burrow needed additional help at every position on the offensive line, so he might not have had as much practice at this.

Now, with some positions looking solid, Burrow will need to improve his ability to find the pressure and adapt to it. This could be using a running back or tight end as an extra blocker. Another option is adjusting a quick route to have a player go where the pressure is coming from which generally ends up with that player having some space to run.

Either way, Burrow cannot take five sacks a game. Zac Taylor has an equal part in this, but Burrow will want to make sure he continues analyzing the pressure and coming up with plans to stop it.