Joe Burrow’s Sales Pitch: A Gamble for the Bengals’ Future?
Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback, has recently demonstrated a talent that extends far beyond the football field: salesmanship. His objective was clear: secure the long-term presence of his two star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, on the team. Burrow’s strategy was relentless, a constant public campaign advocating for their value and importance to the Bengals’ success.
For months, Burrow made his desires known to anyone who would listen. He emphasized the invaluable contributions of Chase and Higgins, portraying them as indispensable components of a championship-caliber team. His message was consistent and unwavering: the Bengals needed to retain both players at all costs.
"You can’t spell championship party without Ja’MarrTee," Burrow declared in December, summarizing his belief in their importance. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to reach an agreement with Higgins, stating his personal commitment to ensuring his return. "I’m confident that I think we’re going to be able to do what it takes to bring Tee back. And I know that I’m gonna do what it takes to get him back and so is he. We’ve had those talks. So, those are going to be offseason discussions. But I think we’re excited about that opportunity."
Burrow further articulated his belief in retaining key players, warning against a pattern of losing valuable assets. "Whenever a great player leaves, you wish you could have found a way to keep him," he said. "You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. And I think that’s why you gotta do everything you can to get those deals done early."
Speaking at the Pro Bowl Games in January, Burrow reiterated his stance, emphasizing the deserving nature of Chase and other key contributors. "We have several guys like (Chase) who have stepped up for us and deserved to be paid," Burrow told ESPN, "And deserve to be paid what they’re worth."
During Super Bowl week, Burrow’s advocacy reached its peak. He openly discussed the possibility of restructuring his own contract to create financial flexibility for the team to accommodate the receivers’ contracts. He demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the salary cap implications, effectively acting as both the team’s quarterback and a de facto general manager. "Keeping everybody we had last year is obviously ideal," Burrow stated. "I think we can do it. I know we all want to stay together, and we all want to make it happen."
Burrow’s desire to keep Chase and Higgins is understandable. Both receivers are exceptionally talented, and their combined abilities pose a significant threat to opposing defenses. Keeping good players is a fundamental principle of team building.
And ultimately, Burrow got what he wanted. Bengals management conceded to his demands, agreeing to lucrative contract extensions for both Chase and Higgins.
However, the long-term implications of this decision raise concerns about the Bengals’ overall team-building strategy. The author questions whether prioritizing offensive talent at the expense of other positions is the optimal path to sustained success and Super Bowl contention.
The article contrasts the Bengals’ approach with that of successful franchises like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles, who have had recent success, built their Super Bowl-caliber team by prioritizing the offensive line and a strong running game, demonstrating a balanced approach. The Chiefs, while featuring a generational quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, have also invested heavily in defensive assets, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded team. Trading away Tyreek Hill has allowed the Chiefs to obtain flexibility.
The article highlights the potential risks of allocating a significant portion of the salary cap to two receivers, potentially limiting the team’s ability to address other critical needs, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Reportedly, Chase is in line for a four-year, $161 million deal, while Higgins is expected to receive a four-year, $115 million contract. These substantial financial commitments could strain the Bengals’ ability to retain other key players and adequately address defensive weaknesses.
The Bengals’ defensive performance last season was concerning, ranking poorly in points allowed per game and red zone touchdown percentage. The article questions whether the team can consistently rely on outscoring opponents, especially given the challenges of maintaining a high-scoring offense over an entire season.
The author expresses skepticism about the Bengals’ ability to consistently draft high-impact defensive players, suggesting that the team may struggle to adequately address its defensive shortcomings through the draft.
The article acknowledges Burrow’s brilliance during the Bengals’ 2021 Super Bowl run but emphasizes the crucial role of running back Joe Mixon in that success. Mixon’s powerful running game provided balance to the offense and masked other team deficiencies.
The article poses the question of whether Burrow, Chase, and Higgins can be so dominant that defensive performance becomes irrelevant. However, the author considers this scenario unlikely, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded team capable of winning in diverse ways.
The Philadelphia Eagles are cited as an example of a team that can beat opponents in various ways, boasting a strong running game, a dominant defense, and an efficient passing attack. The Eagles’ balanced approach allows them to adapt to different game situations and exploit opponent weaknesses.
The author concludes that Burrow has achieved his immediate goal of keeping his preferred receivers on the team. However, the article suggests that the Bengals now face a more challenging task: building a complete team capable of consistently competing for championships. Whether they can achieve this goal while allocating a significant portion of their salary cap to two receivers remains to be seen. The true test of Burrow’s salesmanship will be whether it ultimately leads to Super Bowl glory for the Bengals.
