As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the performances of quarterbacks continue to be a focal point. Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow stands out this season, not only for his impressive stats but also for the peculiar circumstances surrounding his performances. Burrow threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions in a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers, yet the Bengals fell 34-27. This match epitomizes a perplexing trend for Burrow, who has posted remarkable numbers only to see them overshadowed by losses.
Burrow's situation is historically unique. He is the only quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to lose three games in a single season while passing for 300 or more yards, scoring three touchdowns, and avoiding interceptions. Despite these dazzling statistics, Burrow's record stands at 0-3 under such circumstances this season — a stark contrast to other quarterbacks who collectively hold a 14-2 record when achieving similar feats.
Comparisons have naturally arisen, especially when noting that Burrow has already surpassed New England Patriots legend Tom Brady's entire career total of losses with comparable performances. This peculiar juxtaposition highlights both the Bengals' struggles and Burrow's potential, proving that superb individual stats don't always translate to team victories.
In another nail-biting encounter, the Bengals suffered a 35-34 loss to the Ravens in Week 10. In that game, Burrow managed to throw for an impressive 428 yards and four touchdowns. Yet again, these heroics weren't enough to secure a win, marking an unprecedented situation where a quarterback achieved over 400 passing yards and four touchdowns in back-to-back games only to endure defeat in both.
While Burrow navigates his challenging season, other teams are experiencing historic successes. The Detroit Lions, boasting a 9-1 record going into Week 12, delivered a staggering 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. This score represents the largest loss in Jaguars’ franchise history and underscores the Lions' offensive prowess, as they have scored over 50 points in consecutive home games. Players Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown each found the end zone, marking an NFL record with their eighth collaborative scoring game.
Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to confuse analysts with their 2-0 record in games without scoring a touchdown this season, whereas other NFL teams face a daunting 2-18 record in similar situations. Chris Boswell's success on the field is notable, having kicked six field goals in three separate games, an accomplishment unmatched in NFL history.
The rookie quarterback Bo Nix added his name to the record books by completing 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, dynamic player Taysom Hill showcased versatility with over 100 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 50 receiving yards, and 10 passing yards in just one game.
Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions achieved a perfect passer rating of 158.3, amassing 412 yards and four touchdowns in the process, illustrating the all-around excellence in the Lions’ camp. Similarly, the Las Vegas Raiders performed exceptionally during a game with no punts or turnovers, a rare occurrence for the franchise.
Further beneficial streaks were evident as the Green Bay Packers recorded their 11th consecutive victory over the Chicago Bears, while the San Francisco 49ers maintain a balanced 5-5 record this season. Rookie Brock Bowers emerged as a key player by securing the second-most receptions (70) in his first 10 career games, while Justin Jefferson eclipsed Torry Holt for the most receiving yards in the first five seasons with 6,811 yards.
Significantly, the Bengals have endured five losses this season despite scoring 25 points or more, a testament to the struggles hindering Burrow and the team despite formidable offensive efforts. As the season progresses, the narrative surrounding Burrow and the Bengals will undoubtedly be one to watch as they seek to convert these impressive performances into much-needed victories.