Through the first four weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the normally high-flying Cincinnati Bengals offense was grounded in ways that were highly disconcerting. The Bengals ranked 23rd in Offensive DVOA. Their -45 point differential was one of the NFL’s worst, and quarterback Joe Burrow was struggling with his injured calf to the point where a lot of people thought it would be best for head coach Zac Taylor to bench Burrow until he could actually function in and out of the pocket.
What a difference a week makes. In their 34-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Burrow completed 36 of 45 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 108.1. In his first four games, Burrow had completed 87 of 151 passes for 728 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 69.1.
Not only was Burrow on point with his passes, but he showed the mobility we hadn’t seen all season long.
Joe Wheels 😏#CINatAZ | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/arWzQKeHCI
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 8, 2023
And receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was somewhat frustrated with his own production, blew up Arizona’s defense for 15 catches on 19 targets for 192 yards and three touchdowns. In the first four weeks, Chase caught 29 passes on 40 targets for 284 yards… and no touchdowns.
Burrow’s ability to step into his throws for accuracy and velocity makes you wonder what kind of unobtanium his trainers were able to use on him.
That's a @Real10jayy__ TUDDY #CINatAZ | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/ewnrYsGO3F
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 8, 2023
THERE IT IS FOLKS#CINatAZ | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/F6UefyyIlt
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 8, 2023
HAVE A DEY JA'MARR 👏#CINatAZ | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/erentXSl7P
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 8, 2023
Who Dey? Well, “dey” are one of the NFL’s best offenses when their quarterback can function. This might be very bad news for the rest of the AFC North.
