Bengals’ Joe Burrow says scowl part of being even-keeled leader: ‘People feed off of my emotion’ Nov 06, 2024

During Sunday’s five-touchdown performance in a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow could be seen scowling on the sideline. The star QB said after the win that there wasn’t much to be happy about.

Two days later, Burrow noted that his expression and comments depicted how he felt after Cincy dug itself an early hole at 4-5. A sloppy ending to Sunday’s game also played a role in his post-contest comments. Burrow’s demeanor reflected a growing leader unmoved by the current moment.

“Maybe I could have not let my emotions show quite as much, but it’s also something that I’ve tried to do more and I know people in the locker room have wanted me to do a little more, whether good or bad,” Burrow said Tuesday, via ESPN. “But I can’t show my emotion positively and then when things don’t go well, not let that be known as well.”

Burrow is in the top five in the NFL in completion percentage (70.2), passing yards (2,244), passing touchdowns (20) and passer rating (108.1) in 2024. As his play has improved, so too has his comfort level as a leader.

“I know that people feed off of my emotion in a positive way,” Burrow said. “It’s tough for me as a quarterback. I play my best when … I’m not up and down and pissed and then happy and all that.”

Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase noted that Burrow’s always been a leader by example, but now he’s more vocal in holding everyone accountable.

“But that’s always been him,” Chase said. “He’s always been that type of guy to hold himself to a standard. He’s just doing it more vocally now.”

Sitting at 4-5, the Bengals head into Thursday night’s massive showdown against the Baltimore Ravens needing Burrow’s best effort to continue to dig out of the early-season chasm. The Ravens have won each of the last three games against the Bengals.