In a post‑game interview after the Cincinnati Bengals’ 20‑6 triumph over the Houston Texans, quarterback Joe Burrow was quick to temper praise for his own play. “I was incredibly average today,” he said, emphasizing that the team’s 2‑0 start is what truly matters.
Self‑assessment and areas for improvement
Burrow explained that the Bengals shot themselves in the foot early, incurring several penalties that set them behind the sticks. He noted the difficulty of converting on early downs against a Texans defense that featured two strong edge rushers. “You can’t get in second and long, first and 20, first and 15, third and long – you’re not going to convert many of those,” he said.
Teammates earn high marks
Despite his modest self‑evaluation, Burrow lavished praise on several teammates. He highlighted wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s acrobatic second‑quarter touchdown catch, calling it one of the best he has ever seen in the NFL. “I thought he was falling down, but he stayed up, contorted his body and got two feet in. It was incredible,” Burrow remarked.
Defensive end Dexter Lawrence also received commendation. Burrow recalled a pivotal stop early in the first quarter, saying, “Dex really set the tone on that first fourth and one. That big stop helped the rest of the day.”
The quarterback further expressed confidence in the offensive line, describing them as the most reliable group for a quarterback to work with in the league. “I’m going to trust my guys against anyone,” he added, singling out Chase as a key factor in the unit’s success.
Optimism for the season ahead
Looking forward, Burrow drew a parallel between the current squad and the 2021 roster that carried the Bengals to the Super Bowl. “It feels like early on in 2021 when we had a really good defense and tried to stay in front of the sticks, not turn the ball over, kick field goals,” he said. “We put points on the board, we’re going to win with our defense.”
Burrow’s candid assessment underscores a culture of accountability within the Bengals’ locker room. While celebrating a solid win, the quarterback’s focus remains on eliminating penalties, sharpening execution and building on the momentum of a 2‑0 start.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
