The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2024 NFL season has been a frustrating exercise in near misses. Their 6-8 record paints a bleak picture, leaving them clinging to a slim 6% chance of securing a Wild Card playoff berth. The sting of their eight losses is amplified by the fact that seven were decided by a single score, tantalizingly close to victory yet ultimately out of reach. While this reality has understandably disheartened the Bengals faithful, a beacon of hope shines through the gloom: quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow, alongside wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, has consistently elevated the Bengals’ offense, compensating for a defense that has significantly underperformed. His stellar play has not only kept Cincinnati competitive but has also etched his name further into the franchise’s record books. In a recent victory against the Tennessee Titans, Burrow surpassed his own record for most touchdowns in a single season, reaching 36 with three games still remaining in the regular season. This achievement eclipses his previous mark of 35 touchdowns set in 2022, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
Burrow’s record-breaking performance extends beyond single-season touchdowns. He already holds Bengals franchise records for most passing yards in a game (525), most passing yards in a season (4,611), and most 400+ yard passing games in a career (five). His exceptional talent has also earned him two NFL records: the highest career completion percentage (68.3%) and the most completions by a rookie in a single game (37). These accomplishments underscore his remarkable consistency and proficiency as a passer.
In the current 2024 season, Burrow sits atop the NFL leaderboard in several key passing categories. He leads the league in total passing touchdowns (36), total passes completed (361), total passes attempted (527), total passing yards (3,977), and passing yards per game (284.1). His dominance in these statistical categories makes a compelling case for MVP consideration, were it not for the Bengals’ overall disappointing record, a direct consequence of their defensive struggles.
The Bengals’ defensive woes are stark. They rank 27th in passing defense, allowing an average of 235.2 yards per game. Their rushing defense fares only slightly better, ranking 23rd with an average of 130.3 yards allowed per game. Most critically, their scoring defense ranks 29th, surrendering an average of 27.7 points per game. This inability to prevent opponents from reaching the end zone has significantly hampered the team’s chances of winning close games, often negating Burrow’s offensive heroics.
Adding to their defensive vulnerabilities, the Bengals are ranked 30th in red zone defense, allowing opposing teams to score touchdowns on 66.7% of their trips inside the 20-yard line. This glaring weakness has directly contributed to the 42 touchdowns scored against them this season, a total surpassed only by the Carolina Panthers. These defensive deficiencies represent a significant hurdle for Burrow and the Bengals’ offense to overcome, often requiring them to score at a near-impossible pace to stay competitive. Despite Burrow’s consistently impressive performances, the team’s defensive liabilities have ultimately determined their underwhelming season record, preventing him from receiving the MVP recognition his individual statistics might otherwise warrant. The Bengals’ future success hinges on addressing these defensive shortcomings to complement Burrow’s exceptional offensive talent.
