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If you threw nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in a single NFL season, you’d probably feel like you did your part, right? Not Joe Burrow. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback just hit the media with a mic-drop moment, saying the team’s 2024 playoff failure was on him.
Yep, even after leading the league in passing yards, completions, and attempts, Burrow is shouldering the blame like it’s all on his back and it’s got NFL fans doing a double take.
Joe Burrow believes he should’ve played better even after having a career-best season in 2024
He made the remarks in a sit-down with Bengals team reporter Geoff Hobson, taking full accountability for the Bengals’ rocky season start and narrow miss of the playoffs. And honestly? It’s the kind of leadership you can’t coach.The Bengals finished 9-8 in 2024, winning their final five games but falling just short of a wild-card spot thanks to a sluggish 4-8 start.
While the defense had its fair share of issues (more on that in a sec), Burrow didn’t let anyone else take the fall.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who had 4,918 passing yards, 43 TDs and 9 INTs, says they would’ve made the playoffs last year if he played better, he told team reporters.
“If I had played even better, we wouldn’t have beenin that spot that we were in. I just focus on… pic.twitter.com/33f05SJu1u
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) June 2, 2025
“If I had played even better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot that we were in,” Burrow said.I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn’t matter what goes on anywhere else.”Just to be clear, Burrow led the NFL in completions (460), passing attempts (652), and total yards (4,918) while tossing 43 touchdowns and only 9 picks.
Oh and he did that while getting sacked 48 times. Most QBs would drop a “not my fault” and walk away. But not JB9.
The Bengals’ defense struggled, but Burrow still took full accountability for the 2024 collapse
Even with Burrow lighting it up, Cincinnati’s defense struggled to keep up. They ranked 25th in points allowed per game and 29th in touchdowns surrendered. The pass rush barely showed up with just 36 sacks all year and they finished 27th in EPA/play, one of the league’s worst.
They have no defense, why would they even want to go to the playoffs with 3 playoff level players on the whole roster?
— Chris Ferland 🐝 (@chris_ferland) June 2, 2025
Still, instead of pointing fingers, Burrow turned inward. That’s why fans are praising his mentality just as much as his arm. This wasn’t just a PR soundbite, it felt like a true locker room message: We’re all owning this together.
The Bengals took notice too. After six seasons, they parted ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and brought in Al Golden from Notre Dame. So clearly, Burrow isn’t the only one aiming for a full reset in 2025.Also read – Inside the guest list: Who showed up and who didn’t at Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s stunning California wedding
