Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Cincinnati Bengals to Worry About in Week 11

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Cincinnati Bengals to Worry About in Week 11

Joe Burrow

Coming out of college, after having the greatest single season by a collegiate quarterback, Joe Burrow had big things expected of him his rookie season. Unfortunately, due to having one of the worst offensive lines in recent history, he broke his leg and was out for the year. The injury came though after throwing for 2,600 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

This year though he looks as if he is picking up right where he left off. Burrow currently has 2,497 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. There’s no denying that he is just as aggressive as ever, reminiscent of his spectacular 2019 season at LSU.

Burrow has a plethora of weapons at his disposal in wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, along with a play-making running back in Joe Mixon. So far this season he’s only had one game where he’s thrown less than two touchdowns, thrown three in 4 out of the other 8 games, and is averaging a 102.6 QBR on the season.

If the Raiders are going to shut down this powerful offense it starts with keeping Burrow off his game. His leg injury has undoubtedly caused him to be more aware of what’s going on in the pocket, so getting consistent pressure and forcing him to get the ball out early are going to be key.

Luckily for the Raiders, they have the NFL’s leader in QB pressures in defensive end Maxx Crosby. Yannick Ngakoue could be an X-Factor this week if Cincinnati decides to focus their double teams on Crosby.