As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, all eyes are on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The young star, who has been a formidable force since entering the league, is once again in the spotlight, with sports analyst Nick Wright predicting that this could be Burrow’s year to claim the MVP award. After a wrist injury cut short his 2023 season, Burrow is determined to make a triumphant return, and Wright believes that his consistent performance against Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes could be the key to solidifying his MVP candidacy.
Burrow’s track record against Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best, is nothing short of impressive. In their head-to-head matchups, Burrow has emerged victorious three times in a row, making him the only quarterback in the league who has managed to consistently outplay the reigning Super Bowl champion. Wright argues that this winning streak is not just a statistical anomaly but a testament to Burrow’s unique talent and mental toughness.
“Will Joe Burrow finally win his first MVP? After exiting last season early with a wrist injury, I think 2024 will finally be Burrow’s time to shine and to nab that MVP award that has eluded him all these years,” Wright stated during a recent episode of First Things First. He went on to explain that in the two seasons Burrow has remained injury-free, he has been a strong contender in the MVP race, narrowly missing the ultimate honor. As he enters the 2024 season off the back of a frustrating injury, Wright is confident that Burrow can once again prove his caliber as an MVP-worthy quarterback.
Wright’s confidence in Burrow stems from the profound impact he has had on the Bengals since taking over as the starting quarterback. Before Burrow’s arrival, the Bengals were struggling to find their footing in the highly competitive AFC North. However, with Burrow under center, the team has seen a dramatic turnaround, consistently making playoff appearances and even reaching the Super Bowl in the 2021 season.
“When he plays, the Bengals win. When he plays, he puts up awesome numbers. He’s scared of no one, and he’s totally changed the trajectory of that franchise,” Wright noted. He emphasized that Burrow’s ability to elevate his game in high-stakes matchups, particularly against top-tier opponents like Mahomes, is what sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the league. “He’s the only guy still playing who we have seen consistently play his best when playing Patrick Mahomes,” Wright added, underscoring Burrow’s status as a legitimate threat to Mahomes’ dominance.
However, Wright acknowledged that Burrow’s path to the MVP award is not without its challenges. “When he plays” remains a crucial criterion for the Bengals to have a successful season and for Burrow to maintain his MVP hopes. A lot of the team’s success will hinge on whether Burrow can stay healthy throughout the season. Burrow has established himself as the “best in the business” when he is healthy, but injuries have been a recurring issue throughout his career.
Former running back Chris Jennings echoed similar sentiments, noting, “When we watch this young man under center, and he is healthy, he’s one of the best in business.” Jennings emphasized that Burrow’s ability to stay on the field is crucial for the Bengals’ success and his own MVP aspirations. He highlighted Burrow’s knack for rising to the occasion in critical moments, which is essential for any team’s performance in high-stakes games.
While Burrow’s talent is undeniable, the road to the MVP award will be tough. The Bengals compete in a challenging division, and winning 12 or 13 games in the AFC North is no easy feat. However, Burrow benefits from a strong supporting cast, including talented receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If Burrow can avoid the injury bug, 2024 may finally be the year he claims the MVP award that has been just out of reach.
As the season unfolds, Burrow’s journey will be closely watched. Whether he can finally break through and secure the MVP title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Joe Burrow is poised for greatness, and the NFL world is ready to witness it.
