'Flawless' AFC QB earns multiple high marks from analyst

The praise did not stop there, as The Athletic's Mike Sando put Burrow and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes atop his annual QB tiers. He said a head coach compared Burrow to this four-time Super Bowl champion.

"He is the closest thing to (former San Francisco 49ers QB) Joe Montana that I've seen," the head coach said. "This is about as big a compliment I can give you as a quarterback."

Burrow had the fourth-best completion percentage last season (70.6%) and only threw nine interceptions all season. He topped 300 yards passing seven times in 2024 and gave the Bengals a shot to make the postseason after an 0-3 start, winning their last five games.

Cincinnati has been to one Super Bowl with Burrow under center, a 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. Since then, the team's defense has been one of the worst in the league, tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for 25th last season (25.5 PPG). It was so poor, four of the team's eight losses came when it scored 30 or more points.

The fact that Burrow is getting the comparisons and praise for his throwing ability and the Bengals have failed to make the postseason the last two seasons show how much work needs to be done on defense.

Cincinnati has had a tendency in recent years to rest Burrow and its starters during the preseason, something that has not worked out and put it behind to start the season. Thursday's preseason opener was the complete opposite, as Burrow and WR Ja'Marr Chase (four receptions, 77 yards, one TD) shined in limited action.

There is no doubt that Burrow and his offense are one of the most elite units in the NFL, but they cannot do it alone without some help on the other side. Burrow certainly has the skill set to get this team to the Super Bowl on a consistent basis, but until the defense sees some improvement, it will likely not be enough.