CINCINNATI – If there was any doubt about the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback’s situation, coach Zac Taylor made sure it was gone after Sunday’s scrum.
Even though rookie quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t perform as well as he did in the team’s first intrasquad scrum, Taylor said he’s seen enough of the first pick in the draft for Burrow be the undisputed starter of the Week 1 game against Los Angeles. Chargers.
“He was just awesome,” Taylor said. “He’s what we expected when we took him No. 1 overall. He didn’t disappoint one day that he was there.”
Unofficially, Burrow had 19 of 33 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown. This line does not include a pass that was intercepted by safety Jessie Bates in the end zone after the intended catcher fell. After the scrum, Taylor was unsure whether it was a clear interception or passing interference.
However, Taylor did list a list of reasons he felt good about Burrow being the starter when the season opened on September 13 – offensive command, leadership in the clique, understanding how to move the ‘offensive.
This did not necessarily manifest itself on the ground. Burrow was fairly critical of her personal performance on Sunday and said it wasn’t as good as her previous scrum. Product LSU said he didn’t perform as well as he wanted as the offense struggled to find its rhythm at times. However, Burrow said he continues to improve.
“I feel more comfortable than last week so I think my overall performance is improving further,” Burrow said.
The rookie will have one more opportunity in a game setting before the Bengals open the season at home against the Chargers. Taylor said Thursday’s practice will be a simulated game instead of a scrum.
Ahead of Sunday’s scrum, Taylor said he and Burrow went over the scoresheet. The second-year coach said he and the rookie’s signalman were aligned with their vision, which is important given of their limited time together.
And while Burrow wasn’t at his best, it was more than enough for Taylor to feel confident about his Week 1 starter with the season opener in two weeks.
“Probably what appeals to him the most is when he thinks the mistake is his and he doesn’t want to make the same mistake twice,” Taylor said. “But he’s a competitive guy, and we expect him to lead this attack by a lot of points.”
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