The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a 34-27 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in their first preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field, but quarterback Joe Burrow stood out with an impressive performance. Burrow played only one quarter, completing 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, one of which connected with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who also played just that quarter and caught four passes totaling 77 yards.
Although Burrow acknowledged a missed throw that was his only incompletion, analysts and fans on social media widely praised his accuracy and arm strength during the game, reinforcing his reputation as a top quarterback.
Dan Orlovsky Declares Burrow the NFL’s Finest Thrower
Former NFL quarterback and respected sports analyst Dan Orlovsky offered high praise for Burrow’s throwing skills after examining performances based on seven critical quarterback traits. On Monday’s Get Up segment, Orlovsky ranked Burrow as the league’s best thrower, citing his flawless ball delivery highlighted last season and evident in the early preseason.
Flawless. There’s no one better in the league right now throwing the football than Joe Burrow. Just absolutely flawless. I know, starters, backups, all that. The ball went exactly where it should on a consistent basis.
—Dan Orlovsky, Former NFL Quarterback and Analyst
Orlovsky also emphasized the confidence Burrow projects as he prepares for the upcoming campaign.
I heard him say he thinks he’s throwing it better right now than he has in years. He threw for 10,000 yards last season, so that would be somewhat scary for the rest of the conference.
—Dan Orlovsky, Former NFL Quarterback and Analyst
In other categories, Burrow ranked highly, placing first in ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, and pocket presence, second in reaction time, and seventh in arm strength. However, he was not ranked in rushing ability, reflecting his more traditional pocket passer style.
The Bengals Face a Difficult Path to the Playoffs in 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow are preparing for a challenging 2025 season as they confront a tough schedule and stiff competition within the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC North division. Recognizing the challenges from last season’s slow start, head coach Zac Taylor adopted a more aggressive preseason strategy by playing Burrow and key receivers early to accelerate their rhythm.
This approach aims to avoid the previous season’s costly 1-4 start, which was partly due to limited preseason action for star players, affecting the team’s readiness. The Bengals’ national profile remains strong, with the schedule featuring seven primetime appearances, including Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games, plus a special Thanksgiving matchup.
While the primetime exposure underscores the team’s status as a top AFC contender, it also adds pressure, as they face several high-stakes games against formidable opponents. ESPN ranked Cincinnati’s schedule as the 14th hardest in the league, noting key matchups against playoff-level teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Buffalo Bills, where winning on the road and defending home turf are essential.
Increased Divisional Competition Raises the Stakes
The AFC North is emerging as one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions in 2025. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have both bolstered their rosters during the offseason, while the Cleveland Browns remain a somewhat unpredictable challenger. This increased competitiveness means each divisional game carries significant implications for playoff positioning.
Given these pressures, every head-to-head result within the division could determine seeding and postseason fate, making consistency and peak performance from Burrow and the Bengals more critical than ever.
What This Means for the Future of the Bengals and the NFL
Dan Orlovsky’s declaration of Joe Burrow as the best NFL thrower adds a heightened sense of expectation as the Bengals pursue a deeper playoff run. Burrow’s excellence in multiple facets of quarterbacking, combined with the team’s aggressive preparation, signal that Cincinnati could be on the brink of a breakout season if they navigate their difficult schedule effectively.
However, the Bengals face a precarious path. Maintaining Burrow’s form against top-tier defenses and navigating the fierce competition in the AFC North will be major challenges. Success will depend on their ability to capitalize on key matchups and avoid the early-season pitfalls that hampered them previously.
As Burrow continues to elevate his game and the Bengals adjust their strategy, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this marks the beginning of a new era for Cincinnati football and the quarterback’s legacy within the NFL.