Joe Burrow is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in football, a status that few would dispute. Despite this recognition, Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have developed a reputation for slow starts during the early months of the season. By December and January, however, both Burrow and the Bengals elevate their level of play significantly. How good? Let’s take a look.
Just How Good is Joe Burrow in December and January?
Let’s start with the obvious: Burrow demonstrates consistent excellence throughout the year, including September, October, and November. During those months, he completes 66.8 percent of his passes, averaging 258.4 yards, 1.86 touchdowns, and 0.63 interceptions per game. However, despite Burrow playing well in those games, the Bengals are just 28-27-1 in the first three months of the season.
The late-season months tell a different story. In December and January, Burrow’s production rises markedly. His completion percentage increases to 72.7 percent, his passing yards per game climb to 311.3, and his touchdowns per game improve to 2.5. The only statistic that shows a slight decline is interceptions per game, which rises marginally from 0.63 to 0.69.
Why Do The Bengals and Burrow Start Slow?
There are numerous possible explanations for Burrow’s late-season surge, and it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause. Burrow being a slow starter could certainly be one factor. Additionally, outside of the 2025 season, Burrow has not experienced a typical full offseason. Whether due to injuries or other circumstances, he has rarely had the benefit of a normal offseason routine.
Some of the blame must fall on Burrow for the slower starts, but it also falls on head coach Zac Taylor. It’s hard to specifically identify why Burrow and Taylor can’t figure it out earlier in the year, yet both the quarterback and the playcaller share in the praise and the blame. Whether the issue stems from rust caused by disrupted offseasons or simply the need for live game repetitions to build momentum, something consistently holds them back in the opening months.
Regardless of the source of the problem, the Bengals must find a solution. Continually starting slow and relying on extended win streaks late in the season to secure playoff contention is the equivalent of playing football on hard mode. Last season demonstrated that even a strong surge doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot. Burrow is elite in December and January, and if that level of play can be replicated in September, October, and November, the Bengals would become an even more formidable contender.