Joe Burrow Faces Critical Match After Rough Opener

• NFL

In the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, Joe Burrow's performance was far from his usual brilliance. Registering just 82 yards with a low completion rate of 45.2%, and a concerning passer rating of 52.2, this game stood out, especially considering Burrow is the highest-paid player in the league's history.

His underwhelming performance saw him benched four minutes before the game's conclusion, a game the Bengals would lose 24-3. Speculations about this dip in performance swirl around a calf injury Burrow endured during the offseason.

Such injuries, if not properly addressed, can be harbingers of more significant concerns. For instance, Aaron Rodgers, after a similar calf strain, returned to face the Buffalo Bills, only to tear his Achilles, sidelining him for the entire season.

Bengals enthusiasts undoubtedly hope such a fate doesn't await their star quarterback.

Burrow's Status: Ready for Ravens

Ahead of their showdown against divisional nemesis Baltimore Ravens, Burrow's name appeared on the injury list.

However, despite the ongoing calf concerns, he fully participated in practices this week and looks set to start today. Following their disheartening defeat to the Browns, playing on their home turf might just be the Bengals' shot at redeeming their season.

The expectation is clear: Burrow must dominate the gridiron. The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens share a storied rivalry. Playing twice every season, the teams are no strangers to each other. Notably, last season's playoffs saw them face off in the Wild Card round, where Burrow's squad came out on top.

Navigating the formidable AFC North, home to stalwarts like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Deshaun Watson-led Browns, and the Lamar Jackson-driven Ravens, the Bengals, under Burrow's leadership, need precision to secure another playoff berth.

Watching the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens Showdown NFL enthusiasts are in for a treat with this AFC North face-off. For those eager to catch Burrow against Odell Beckham Jr. and the rest: Date & Time: Sunday, September 17, 2023, 1 p.m.

ET
Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati
TV Broadcast: CBS, with Andrew Catalon on play-by-play, and analysts Tiki Barber and Matt Ryan providing insights.
Streaming: Available on NFL+, Paramount+, and FuboTV. Also accessible via the NFL Sunday Ticket package for those outside home markets.
Radio: Cincinnati fans can tune into WCKY-AM (1530) and WEBN-FM (102.7).

In Baltimore, options include 98 Rock WIYY (97.9 FM), WBAL 1090 AM, WBAL 101.5 FM, and ESPN 630 AM. It's more than a game; it's a battle for divisional pride and playoff positioning.