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Ben Baby
BALTIMORE — A specific moment during Thursday’s contest underscored the void the Cincinnati Bengals had been experiencing for the previous nine matchups.
The Bengals’ signal-caller, Joe Burrow, maneuvered within the pocket and delivered a precisely placed pass to wideout Andrei Iosivas, who secured the reception seamlessly for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow celebrated this achievement by exclaiming joyfully and tapping helmets with offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Having been sidelined for over two months due to a turf toe injury necessitating surgical intervention, Burrow contributed two touchdown passes in a 32-14 triumph at M&T Bank Stadium. This outcome represented the culmination of a rigorous rehabilitation process that commenced in September.
“There is truly no finer sensation than this – investing extensive effort and witnessing it materialize in success,” Burrow expressed.
Burrow completed 24 of 46 pass attempts, accumulating 261 yards, the aforementioned two scores, and maintaining a clean sheet with no interceptions. He played a key role in helping the Bengals (4-8) arrest a four-game losing streak and secure their first victory over Baltimore (6-6) since the 2022 postseason.
It required some time for Burrow and the offensive unit to synchronize. Cincinnati’s initial four ventures into the red zone did not result in a touchdown, including a series of plays where the Bengals were unsuccessful on four consecutive downs inside Baltimore’s 2-yard line.
Utilizing Ja’Marr Chase in pivotal scenarios proved crucial in sustaining the offense’s momentum. Chase amassed 100 receiving yards before the conclusion of the third quarter.
However, it was later in the game that Burrow genuinely discovered his rhythm.
“Throughout the entire first half, my footwork felt somewhat unsteady,” Burrow acknowledged. “In the latter half, I experienced greater comfort and began positioning them as intended.”
A particular play could be regarded as the pivotal moment.
As the Bengals risked squandering another red zone opportunity, Burrow launched a pass towards tight end Tanner Hudson, who executed a remarkable one-handed grab just before stepping out of bounds in the end zone’s corner. This play extended the Bengals’ lead to 19-7 with 7:22 remaining in the third quarter, providing a degree of comfort that had been challenging to attain until that juncture.
“You could sense the heightened confidence within the entire team when we seized the chance to establish some distance between ourselves and our opponent,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor commented post-game. “Hence, it was a significant play.”
Subsequently, came the throw from Burrow that sailed over a defender in zone coverage, landing securely in the grasp of Iosivas. In a more composed manner than immediately following the throw, Burrow indicated his satisfaction with the play after the game.
“The rotation wasn’t precisely as desired, but that’s acceptable,” he mentioned. “I positioned it favorably, and he was prepared for the opportunity. That specific moment resonated well.”
Burrow participated in the game wearing a protective insert within his left shoe. During pregame exercises, Burrow engaged in brief sprints and practiced rapid directional changes. Following these assessments, he exchanged a fist-bump with Bengals rehab director Nick Cosgray before continuing with his pre-game regimen.
Throughout the course of the game, Burrow encountered ample opportunities to assess the surgically repaired big toe.
He executed eight throws while on the move, according to Next Gen Stats. Specifically, on those instances where he was moving at 8 miles per hour or greater, he completed six passes for 55 yards, including one touchdown.
Burrow also attempted six passes from outside the pocket. Early in the game, Burrow scrambled to his left and attempted to connect with Iosivas in the end zone. While the pass ultimately fell incomplete, Burrow stated that it reassured him of his enhanced mobility compared to his pre-game expectations.
“I possessed greater agility than I initially anticipated, so that was encouraging,” Burrow noted. “We have an effective system in place on the sideline to exchange footwear and take necessary measures to maintain freshness, which we will continue to utilize.”
Following the game, Burrow exhibited a reflective demeanor. He paused thoughtfully while addressing inquiries regarding the recovery journey from the toe injury that had disrupted what held the potential to be a promising season. Chase suggested that if Burrow experienced any heightened emotions during the week, he effectively concealed them.
Nonetheless, Burrow’s sentiments following the victory were undeniable.
“These past six years have presented personal challenges from various perspectives, but I have invested considerable effort in positioning myself for a return,” Burrow stated. “And numerous individuals around me have mirrored that commitment.”
“Extensive discussions have occurred, considerable time has been dedicated in the training facility, and significant effort has been invested overall. I take pride in my return.”
