The Cincinnati Bengals selected quarterback Joe Burrow out of LSU with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. On Sunday, he made his NFL debut, starting in their Week 1 contest with the Los Angeles Chargers.
So how do Burrow do? Former NFL MVP and legendary Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner shared his thoughts on the pro debut of Burrow on NFL Network (via Yahoo Sports).
“I think we're always our own harshest critics … a ‘D' is probably a little lower than I would give [Burrow].
“I thought he had ups and downs in that game, there were times he could have played better — it looked like he was a little out of sorts. There were others time that he didn't look like a rookie at all, specifically that final drive … he seemed to get more and more comfortable.
“That, to me, is what I'm looking for from a rookie. The fact that he got better and better throughout the game, I think that's a great sign.”
Warner does not sugarcoat it. He isn't going to pretend like Burrow was perfect in Week 1. However, he also points out that there were some really good moments and that Burrow started to look more and more comfortable as the game went on.
In the end, Burrow finished the game completing 23 of 36 passes (63.9% percent) for 193 yards and no touchdowns (one interception). Meanwhile, the Bengals' top pick ran for another 46 yards on eight attempts (5.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown (one fumble).
So there are definitely some positives there, but a lot of clear areas for improvement. That being said, it is important to remember Burrow is a rookie playing in his first game in the NFL. You couldn't expect everything to go perfectly.
The quarterback showed improvements as the game went on, and that's all the Bengals could ask for. Hopefully we see him continue to improve throughout the year.
For now, it appears Warner saw some flaws in Burrow's game. But he saw quite a bit to be impressed with as well.
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