2025 NFL Tales of the Week – Week 2 Edition (9-16-25)
By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: ESPN
Is It Time For the Cincinnati Bengals to Trade Joe Burrow?
The Cincinnati Bengals, a team that once rose to prominence with Joe Burrow under center, may now be at a crossroads. After a remarkable Super Bowl run in 2021, Burrow’s trajectory seemed set for greatness. However, the Bengals have failed to recapture that same magic in the seasons that followed. It might be time for the franchise to consider trading Burrow, especially given his injury history and decline in play.
Burrow’s early success was undeniable—leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second season was a remarkable achievement. But since that peak, the team has not returned to that level, and Burrow’s performance has become inconsistent. His once sharp rhythm in the pocket has become erratic, and his ability to push the ball downfield has diminished. The biggest concern, however, is his health.
Burrow has battled multiple significant injuries throughout his career, particularly to his legs. These injuries have severely limited his mobility, which was once one of his standout traits. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are expected to extend plays with their legs, Burrow’s lack of mobility has become a major hindrance. He has had a dysfunctional offensive line over the year too. That certainly has caused many of his injuries. His tendency to miss games each season has only compounded the issue. As time goes on, these injuries are unlikely to improve, and there’s a legitimate risk that his durability will continue to deteriorate.
With Burrow still in his 20s, the Bengals have a window to trade him for considerable value. A top-10 quarterback, even one with injury concerns, would likely command a strong return in terms of draft picks or players. Trading him now would allow the Bengals to reset, while still receiving fair value for a quarterback with immense potential—if healthy. In conclusion, while Joe Burrow has been the face of the franchise, the Bengals may be better off moving on before his injuries catch up with him. A trade could offer them a fresh start while capitalizing on the market value of a young, talented quarterback.
The Importance of Having a Quality QB2 in the NFL
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, we’ve already seen several key quarterbacks suffer injuries, including Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jayden McDaniels, and JJ McCarthy. With the unpredictable nature of the game, having a reliable backup quarterback is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In today’s NFL, the quarterback is the focal point of the offense. They touch the ball on every play, and their performance dictates the pace and success of the entire team. When a starting quarterback is injured, the absence of a quality backup can spell disaster. Without a capable replacement, an offense can quickly become one-dimensional, unable to move the ball effectively either through the air or on the ground. Defenses can exploit this weakness by stacking the box and blitzing, neutralizing the running game and forcing the team into predictable passing situations.
Take the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2018 as an example. When starting quarterback Carson Wentz went down with an injury late in the season, the Eagles’ playoff hopes were in jeopardy. However, they had a capable backup in Nick Foles, who stepped in and led the team to a Super Bowl victory. Without Foles’ leadership and poise under pressure, the Eagles’ championship dreams could have been dashed. His performance highlighted why having a strong backup quarterback is essential for any team with playoff aspirations.
The risk of quarterback injuries is ever-present, making it crucial to have someone who can step in and keep the offense afloat when needed. Whether it’s for a few games or the entire season, a well-prepared backup quarterback can be the difference between a successful season and a missed opportunity. In a league as competitive as the NFL, not having one could be catastrophic.
