Joe Burrow calls out underdog narrative following playoff win
Joe Burrow doesn’t want to hear about being an underdog anymore. It might be the first playoffs for the Bengals quarterback, but he is quickly proving he belongs.
The second-year player out of LSU has certainly gained respect after two wins against Las Vegas and Tennessee to start his postseason career. Following a 19-16 victory against the Titans on Saturday, the quarterback had a message heading into the AFC Championship.
“I’m tired of the underdog narrative,” Burrow said. “We are a really, really good team. We are here to make noise. We are a really good team with good players and coaches.”
The Bengals’ motto this has been “Why Not Us,” but it seems Burrow is ready to retire that. Based on how his team has been playing lately, it’s hard to blame him.
Burrow finished Saturday’s victory 28-of-37 passing for 348 yards and an interception. The Bengals’ lone touchdown of the day game on a 16-yard run from tailback Joe Mixon. Instead, it was kicker Evan McPherson who stole the show offensively. The rookie finished a perfect 4-for-4 on his field goal attempts, including the 52-yard game-winner as time expired.
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It’s not difficult to see why Cincinnati has received the “underdog” label from fans and the media. Before last week, the team hadn’t won a playoff game in more than 30 years. But with Burrow as its cornerstone, the franchise is headed in a new direction.
Not only was this the first playoff win in 30 years, but it was the first time Cincinnati had even made the postseason since 2015. The Bengals won a tight AFC North division, with a 10-7 record.
When Joe Burrow enters the AFC Championship, he will undoubtedly be the underdog once again. Cincinnati is set to face either Buffalo or Kansas City, both of which made the conference championship last season.
The Bengals defeated the Chiefs in Week 17, which should give them confidence if that’s who they end up facing. They have not yet played the Bills.
But no matter who the opponent is, expect Joe Burrow to enter with confidence.