Burrow as good as 'anybody in the game' when healthy
Quarterback Joe Burrow understands that his health will be key to the Cincinnati Bengals' fortunes in 2024.
"I want to be on the field for all the games," Burrow told Complex Sports' Ben Felderstein. "I know I'm going to play well when I'm out there. I'm at that point in my career where I've seen enough ball and I know myself that I can go out there and play as well as anybody in the game.
"The biggest strides this year are going to be my body and learning how to get through the season, get through practices with my body, feeling tip-top shape. And so that's the main focus for the offseason."
Burrow, 27, established himself as a franchise passer through the first four seasons of his career. Yet, injuries have been an issue for the Bengals star. He tore his ACL in Week 11 of his rookie campaign and dealt with a calf injury in training camp last year. His 2023 season ended abruptly when he sustained a wrist injury in Week 11.
Burrow has taken up piano lessons during his rehab from wrist surgery.
"I've always wanted to learn how to play, but this was an opportune time to work on my hand and wrist dexterity while also learning that," Burrow said.
Cincinnati has been proactive in protecting Burrow ahead of the new season by fortifying its offensive unit. Trent Brown was signed to man the other offensive tackle spot opposite of Orlando Brown. Zack Moss is projected to receive the bulk of the carries after Joe Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans. Talented wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be joined by Mike Gesicki as options in the passing game.
After previously being motivated by criticism, Burrow noted he's now "driven by consistent improvement."
"I think once you hit a certain point, the negative motivation can only get you so far," Burrow said. "And if you're just focused on getting better every day, continued improvement of your craft, your body, your mind, then I think that's the best way to go about it."
The Bengals will lean on a healthy Burrow to help them bounce back from a last-place finish in the AFC North a season ago.