Mike Zimmer believes Joe Burrow will be better than Carson Palmer

Mike Zimmer, the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator and current Minnesota Vikings coach, heaped praise on second-year Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, comparing him to Carson Palmer. Zimmer will face his former team in Week 1 as the Vikings travel on the road to take on the Bengals.

After going No. 1 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft to his hometown team, Burrow became an instant star in Cincinnati. He played in 10 games for the Bengals before going down with his significant knee injury in a game against the Washington Football Team. Burrow completed 65.3 percent of his passes with 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also had three touchdowns rushing.

“I have been extremely impressed with watching Burrow,” Zimmer told Bengals.com, via NBC Sports. “This kid is competitive. He’s a heck of a scrambler. He’s got a big-time arm, he’s not afraid to throw the ball into tight windows. He seems to see things and get the ball off really quick.”

His early success and limitless potential have drawn comparisons to many players over the past two seasons, but the latest name dates back to Zimmer’s time with the Bengals. The former Bengals assistant believes Joe Burrow can be the next Carson Palmer, or possibly better.

“It looks like, I remember, Carson the way he could spin the ball,” said Zimmer. “This guy probably will be better than him. He’s a better scrambler, but I’ve been so impressed with the toughness. He will take a shot, scramble, and dive or the first down. Run a quarterback draw. All the things he does. I think y’all hit big on that one.”

Return from injury

Burrow played just three offensive snaps in the Bengals’ preseason finale. Coming out of his first game action since he tore his ACL, Burrow felt good and is ready to head into the regular season. Now that he has some live snaps under his belt again, Burrow is ready to get into the games that matter.

“Yes. We are ready to go,” Burrow said after the final preseason game, via Pro Football Talk. “I’m excited about this next week. We have a chance to get our minds right. This will not be as taxing on the body. We have a chance to physically be ready for week one. I’m excited to get a game plan and get ready to go.”

One of the biggest questions for Cincinnati is if they will be able to protect Burrow. He was sacked 32 in less than ten full games last season. The Bengals used a second-round draft pick on Clemson guard Jackson Carman and a fourth-round pick on tackle/guard D’Ante Smith out of East Carolina.