If there’s one thing the Chiefs should expect to see in AFC Championship game against the Bengals, it’s Joe Burrow lined up in empty formations — with just Burrow in the backfield. This season, only Matthew Stafford has more passing attempts out of empty than Burrow, who has completed 87 of 123 passes in 139 dropbacks for 989 yards, 501 air yards, six touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 97.2.
Lining up in empty will give the Bengals’ offense the few extra yards that they need to keep a drive going. It’s pretty much their go-to offensive formation when times get tough.
In Week 17 versus the Chiefs in a 34-31 win, Burrow attempted six passes out of empty, completing five for 39 yards. The explosive plays Burrow had didn’t come out of empty, but it helps sustain drives. Not only do the Bengals come out in empty but sometimes they motion from empty, or to an empty; putting running back Joe Mixon out wide. The motion gives Burrow a chance to see the defensive coverage.
