Broncos coach compares Joe Burrow to Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Joe Burrow and the Bengals are 7-8 to the season with two crucial games against the Broncos and the Steelers left.
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Joe Burrow (L) , Peyton Manning (center), Tom Brady (R) (Images via Getty/DNVR)
Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph compared playing against Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow much like fighting Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. The Broncos are scheduled to play the Bengals in Week 17 at the Paycor Stadium in Ohio.
Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) face a crucial test, one that could determine their playoff possibilities. Five teams have already clinched their spot in the postseason: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. In the coming week, they will face the Denver Broncos, who hold a wildcard spot in the AFC right now.
Joe Burrow has earned recognition as an elite quarterback in recent years, drawing high praise from Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who compared him to legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
He’s the best. It’s like going against Tom or Peyton.
Vance Joseph remarked
Earlier, his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure has drawn comparisons to the legendary Joe Montana, who famously approached Super Bowl crunch-time with the ease of a casual Saturday afternoon in his backyard during the 1980s.
“He’s the best. It’s like going against Tom or Peyton.” – Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph on Joe Burrow pic.twitter.com/BZpvBMd3vO
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) December 26, 2024
Despite the Bengals’ underwhelming 7-8 record and looming elimination from playoff contention, Burrow has been a standout, leading the league with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. Joe Burrow has been a credible element in the Bengals outfit so much that ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky even commented on how Burrow could win the NFL MVP in case the Bengals make the postseason.
Ex-NFL star Kyle Long noted that Burrow deserves to be included in the MVP talks despite the poor franchise record.
What are Joe Burrow’s chances of making the playoffs?
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Bengals entered the week with just a 9.6% chance of making the playoffs—higher than the Dolphins (3.7%) and Colts (2.5%). Following their win and the Broncos’ loss, Cincinnati’s playoff odds have improved.
As of Week 16 plus Christmas games and TNF of Week 17, the AFC Wildcard standings are as follows:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-6 (clinched playoff)
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9-8
- Denver Broncos: 9-8
- Indianapolis Colts: 7-8
- Miami Dolphins: 7-8
- Cincinnati Bengals: 7-8
However, the Bengals still face stiff competition to secure a postseason spot. In the upcoming two games, the Bengals will face the Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are one of three teams with eight losses currently outside the playoff picture, alongside the Colts and Dolphins. Overtaking teams like the Ravens, Broncos, or Chargers will be a formidable challenge for any of these three teams.
The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled to establish a strong running game this season, ranking third-worst in the league with just 1,391 rushing yards. Averaging 4.2 yards per carry and scoring only 10 rushing touchdowns—fourth-least in the NFL—their ground attack has been far from effective.
Improving their rushing performance will be crucial to alleviating pressure on their offense and putting opposing defenses, like the Denver Broncos, in tougher situations. Furthermore, the Bengals have managed just 77 first downs via the run, the third-lowest total in the league.
The inability to sustain drives on the ground has troubled their offensive rhythm and overall effectiveness. If Cincinnati can address these shortcomings and establish a more consistent running game, they’ll greatly enhance their chances of making a playoff push.
Related: NBC analyst floats theory of an unexpected NFL team to make a move for Aaron Rodgers
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Mohammed Bazim
(364 Articles Published)