The Cincinnati Bengals’ Star was Back in Action Yesterday

Joe Burrow is back. We have seen him passing in training camp, but seeing him fully suited up at Paycor Stadium was special. Burrow was back playing for the fans that have treated him so well in the stadium where he has found so much success.

Head Coach Zac Taylor gave Burrow an offensive drive. Burrow did not disappoint.

Burrow made some very good throws in training camp, but there were concerns about the state of his recovery. Burrow has even mentioned concerns about his wrist and his inability to throw spirals.

Fans were confident but a little concerned that there may be signs of injury in Burrow’s performance.

While the health of his wrist will be an ongoing issue throughout the year, it is fair to say that Burrow passed his first test.

Burrow found Tee Higgins on the first play for a gain of nine.

A little later in the drive, Burrow fired a pass into a very tight window for Trenton Irwin. Irwin made a very nice, physical catch.

Burrow finally took a shot a couple of plays later. There was a feeling that Burrow would want to quiet down the talk about his health. Burrow is such a competitor. He wanted to go out and say, “yeah, I’m still Joe Burrow.”

Burrow faked a handoff to Chase Brown and dropped back to throw. It was clear that Burrow was looking for a big play. His eyes stayed downfield. Burrow had time and saw Tee Higgins heading for the end zone.

Burrow threw directly into double coverage, making a pass that he, potentially, would not have made in the regular season. Higgins did not have any real separation. But Burrow delivered a perfect ball. Higgins tracked it well and followed it right to his hands and into his chest. However, Higgins, with contact, was not able to corral it.

It was a perfect ball by Burrow. He showed that his arm strength and accuracy are still very much there.

Importantly, Burrow had enough time to look downfield and deliver a throw under minimal duress.

On third and five, Burrow once again had time in the pocket. This time, he delivered a nice pass across the middle to second year receiver Andrei Iosivas, which turned into an easy 23 yard gain.

Burrow’s last play of the drive was an easy throw to a wide open Tee Higgins, who scampered into the end zone for a touchdown.

It was a perfect drive for Burrow and company. Burrow was 5/7 with 51 yards and a touchdown. The time he got in the pocket from his offensive line was very promising. If his offensive line can hold, Burrow will have an MVP caliber season.