Former NFL WR Says Joe Burrow Is Average Without Top Targets

Joe Burrow is widely considered one of the best QBs in the NFL.

He helped lead the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in SB LVI.

Besides Tom Brady, Burrow is the only other QB to ever beat Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.

When Burrow is healthy, the Bengals are one of the top teams in the NFL.

However, after losing to the New England Patriots in week 1, a former NFL WR claims Joe Burrow is just ‘average’ without his top targets.

James Jones stated “Joe Burrow without top elite WRs is average. We keep living off of the Super Bowl appearance, but we don’t live on other stuff for other QBs.”

Jones went on to say QBs like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts get highly criticized but Burrow gets a pass because of one Super Bowl appearance.

He also said “he was 5-5 last year and then went out with an injury, then they went 4-3 without Joe Burrow.”

James Jones was not the only ex-NFL player to chime in and criticize Joe Burrow.

Chris Canty stated he is selling all of his stock in Joe Burrow because of injury concerns.

Below, we discuss whether Jones and Canty’s remarks are valid or if it is an overreaction to a week 1 loss.

James Jones Is Not The Only Ex-NFL Player Concerned About Burrow

James Jones is not alone in his controversial stance against the Bengals’ starting quarterback.

ESPN’s Chris Canty also expressed his concerns about the Bengals’ slow start.

“I’m concerned about the version of Joe Burrow that we’re going to see from now until the end of his career,” Canty said. “Because this wrist injury is something that we don’t have a lot of history with quarterbacks being able to bounce back from.”

Canty followed up his injury concerns by proclaiming that he is “selling all of [his] Joe Burrow stock” following Cincinnati’s 0-1 start.

Canty’s points are a bit reasonable, as he is discussing more about Burrow’s injury history and potentially being an injury risk.

However, “selling all of his Joe Burrow stock” seems a bit premature.

Was James Jones Correct About Joe Burrow?

James Jones claimed Burrow is an average QB without his top targets.

This comment makes no sense as any QB in the league except Patrick Mahomes would see their play and numbers drop without top receiving targets.

Burrow relies solely on his arm talent and unlike Jackson, Allen, or Hurts, he does not use his legs frequently.

So Burrow missing Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase not being 100% would hurt Burrow’s performance.

However, this does not mean Burrow is an average QB.

Burrow was the main reason the Bengals appeared in Super Bowl LVI.

After losing in Super Bowl LVI, the next year, the Bengals made it to the AFC Championship game, after defeating Josh Allen in the divisional round.

Burrow almost helped lead the Bengals to once again defeat the Chiefs but lost by three points.

Last season, Burrow was not healthy all year and was injured before the season even began.

These comments by Jones feel like he just wanted to go viral and have a hot take.

However, Jones’ comments have no merit, and Burrow, when healthy, is an elite QB.