Joe Flacco has only been with the Cincinnati Bengals for roughly two weeks — and yet, the difference has been night and day.
In that short span, we’ve seen the Bengals’ offense transform from what it was under Jake Browning — predictable, sluggish, and lacking rhythm — into a unit that finally has life again. The offense feels energized, balanced, and most importantly, dangerous.
Suddenly, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have rediscovered their chemistry. Over the past couple of games, they’ve looked like the best wide receiver duo in the NFL once again. They’re confident, attacking defenses downfield, and clearly feeding off the steadiness of their new quarterback.
Joe Flacco Cincinnati Bengals T-Shirt | Limited Edition “Flacco in the Jungle” Tee
But while Joe Flacco’s play has reignited this team, his presence has also revealed something deeper — something Joe Burrow could benefit from as he watches from the sidelines.
Because make no mistake: Joe Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in football. When healthy, he’s easily in the top five. And in my opinion, at 100% health, he is the best quarterback in the league. You can have Mahomes, Allen, or Lamar — I’ll take Joe Burrow every time.
But that’s the key phrase: when he’s healthy.
Joe Flacco’s Lesson: Work Smarter, Not Harder
At this stage in his career, Joe Flacco knows exactly who he is. He’s not going to outrun anyone. He’s not looking to take hits. He’s not trying to be a hero.
Watch how he plays: the ball is out fast. Before the pass rush can even get close, he’s already found his target. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient — and it works.
Now, Burrow has always been one of the quickest quarterbacks in the league when it comes to getting the ball out. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he was tied for sixth in the NFL in release time before his injury. That’s part of what makes him so effective — his processing speed is elite.
But if he’s so good at getting the ball out quickly, why does he still take so many hits?
Sure, part of it comes down to the offensive line — it’s been an issue for years. And yes, the Bengals could absolutely use a more consistent identity in the running game. But a big piece of it is Burrow himself.
When his first, second, or even third read isn’t there, Burrow goes into “make-a-play” mode — and that’s one of the reasons Bengals fans love him. He refuses to give up on a play. He scrambles, extends the pocket, avoids defenders, and somehow finds a way to make something happen.
But as magical as that can be, it also leads to unnecessary punishment. Those extra seconds — those extra movements — are when the biggest hits happen.
And those hits add up.
Joe Burrow Bengal Tiger Comfort Colors T-shirt
Year 6: Time to Think Like a Veteran
It’s hard to believe, but this is already year six for Joe Burrow. He’s no longer the young phenom trying to prove he belongs — he is the franchise. And at this stage, it’s time for him to start playing like a 35-year-old veteran — not in skill level, but in mindset.
That means protecting himself. It means understanding that sometimes, the smartest play is the throwaway. It’s okay to “live to see another down.”
Burrow doesn’t need to be Superman on every snap. The best quarterbacks in history — Brady, Brees, Roethlisberger — extended their careers and dominated late into their 30s because they mastered this very concept.
They got the ball out fast, took what defenses gave them, and minimized unnecessary hits.
The Proof Is in the Numbers
If you look back over the last several seasons, the data tells a clear story. The quarterbacks who consistently got the ball out the fastest weren’t just efficient — they were also some of the best to ever do it:
- 2018: Ben Roethlisberger
- 2019: Andy Dalton (with Drew Brees close behind)
- 2020: Ben Roethlisberger
- 2021: Ben Roethlisberger (Tom Brady a close second)
- 2022: Tom Brady (Joe Burrow right behind him)
- 2023: Tua Tagovailoa (led the NFL with over 4,600 passing yards)
- 2024: Tua Tagovailoa
That’s a list filled with Hall of Famers and elite veterans who played smart football deep into their careers. There’s a direct correlation between getting the ball out quickly, avoiding hits, and putting up massive passing numbers.
It’s not just about efficiency — it’s about longevity.
Flacco’s Example in Real Time
When Joe Flacco started on Thursday Night Football, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit repeatedly pointed out how quickly he was delivering the ball. The result? Nearly 350 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Flacco’s not doing anything revolutionary — he’s simply executing the offense efficiently, trusting his reads, and protecting himself. And in doing so, he’s reminded everyone that quarterback play doesn’t always have to be about athleticism or improvisation — sometimes, it’s about discipline and rhythm.
The Takeaway for Burrow
Joe Burrow doesn’t need to reinvent himself. He doesn’t need to change what makes him special. But he does need to adapt — because the greatest players in NFL history evolve as the league evolves.
Burrow’s competitiveness is his superpower. But for the Bengals to truly maximize their championship window, that competitiveness has to be balanced with self-preservation.
If Joe Burrow can take what Joe Flacco is doing — getting the ball out fast, trusting the system, and minimizing hits — and blend it with his elite accuracy, leadership, and swagger, we’re talking about a quarterback who could dominate for the next decade.
Final Thoughts
Joe Flacco won’t be in Cincinnati for long, but his short stint might leave a lasting impression. He’s showing what it looks like to play quarterback with precision and patience — and if Joe Burrow takes that lesson to heart, it could be the key to keeping him healthy and elite for years to come.
Because as every Bengals fan knows — a healthy Joe Burrow isn’t just one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
He’s the quarterback who can bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati.
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