Joe Burrow’s MVP candidacy is facing serious hurdles, and former Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky believes one factor is largely to blame: the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. While Burrow has been lighting it up on the field, the Bengals’ shaky defense has cost them a shot at being one of the NFL’s elite teams this season.
Dan Orlovsky Gets Real on Joe Burrow’s MVP Potential
The Bengals, sitting at a disappointing 4-5, have struggled to reach their ceiling despite Burrow’s numbers. The former No. 1 overall pick has completed over 70% of his passes, racking up 2,244 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
“If not for their defense, he would be at the very top of the MVP race,” Orlovsky stated on NFL Live, adding that Burrow’s performances have been “fantastic.”
But without a reliable defense to back him up, even those MVP-level stats may not be enough. Fellow NFL analyst Chris Canty also weighed in, pointing to Lamar Jackson’s impact on the Ravens despite similar defensive struggles.
“If this team [Bengals] doesn’t make the playoffs, nobody’s going to give him an MVP,” Canty said on ESPN’s Radio UNSPORTSMANLIKE, indirectly hinting that Burrow could do more.
"If this team doesn't make the playoffs, nobody's going to give him an MVP."
The math isn't mathin' for @ChrisCanty99 and the Joe Burrow MVP conversation. pic.twitter.com/IRd23a4GEz
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) November 7, 2024
With a crucial Thursday Night Football showdown against the Ravens approaching, Burrow can bolster his MVP case — but only if his team steps up.
Ravens vs. Bengals Features Three MVP Faces
Thursday night showdown between the Ravens and Bengals is shaping up to be a clash of MVP titans, with Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Derrick Henry all vying for the spotlight. Apart from being another Thursday night game, it’s a chance for these superstars to carve out their “MVP moment” and influence the rest of the season’s award odds.
There’s no denying that Jackson is the favorite at the moment, but Burrow and Henry are not far behind. Tonight’s game could have major implications in the NFL MVP race.
Baltimore’s quarterback has been on fire, with over 1,500 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the last five weeks. With his dual-threat abilities threatening NFL defenses, the 27-year-old QB is single-handedly fueling Baltimore’s playoff hopes.
If Jackson keeps up this pace, he could finish the season with 4,500 passing yards, nearly 1,000 rushing yards, and a combined 42 touchdowns — numbers that scream MVP.
On the other side, Joe Burrow’s resurgence is making a strong case, but Zac Taylor and Co. are letting their star man down. While Burrow had a slow start to the season, he’s posted MVP-worthy stats with 2,244 yards and 20 touchdowns, just four interceptions, and a top-five rating in nearly every passing category.
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Then there’s Derrick Henry, a rare MVP candidate at running back, who’s on pace for another monster season. Averaging over 143 all-purpose yards per game and already with 11 touchdowns in the last seven games, the Ravens running back is giving tough competition to his teammate.
With these three superstars in the mix, tonight’s Ravens vs. Bengals game could not only be a season highlight but may also set the stage for the 2024 MVP race.