Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) adjusts wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) on the line before a play in the second quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals QB Joe Burrow says this Cincy teammate deserves more attention

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow wants people around the league to pay more attention to one of the team's standout defenders. 

Burrow went out of his way to mention defensive tackle D.J. Reader during Sunday's postgame press conference. 

His game on Sunday earned him plenty of praise for how effective he was against the Cleveland Browns.

After signing a four-year, $53 million deal with Cincinnati in 2020, the former Texan has turned into a problem for opposing offenses. 

While he hasn't played the full season, Reader has 19 tackles on the stat sheet through seven starts. He also has an eye-opening four passes defended. 

Reader isn't known for piling up sacks, but his aggressive play is helping Cincinnati's defense keep pace with its prolific offense. 

His run defense is causing plenty of issues for league running backs. 

Reader didn't want the attention on him after his big Sunday. He pointed to the possibility Cincinnati could push for the AFC's top playoff spot. 

If Reader won't pat his own back, at least Burrow will be there to do it for him.  

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