Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs off the field after being sacked in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The Chiefs took a 26-25 win with a go-ahead field goal as time expired. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Steve Spagnuolo Offers Joe Burrow MAJOR Praise Following 2024 Win Over Cincinnati

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:41 AM ET

Greats respecting greats.

That's what Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Sapgnuolo channeled after his team's 26-25 win over the Bengals in Week 2 of the 2024 season. He told Joe Burrow right after the final whistle that he's the best quarterback in the NFL besides Patrick Mahomes.

"Hey, other than that guy, you're the best in the business," Spagnuolo was caught saying on Netflix's Quarterback show. "I'm not saying that because you're standing here."

Spagnuolo has now had five battles against Burrow, and his teams are carrying a three-game win streak over Cincinnati into any potential playoff matchup this season. The two sides do not play in the 2025 regular season.

the HIGHEST praise from the NFL’s best DC

Spags thinks Joe Burrow is the best QB in the NFL other than Mahomes pic.twitter.com/wmSGKqDV7h
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 8, 2025