“We didn’t get to win,” Joe Burrow stood at the podium, his face a mix of frustration and determination as he said this. The Cincinnati Bengals had just suffered their third straight loss, this time a 38-33 defeat at the hands of the Washington Commanders. For a team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, the 0-3 start was a gut punch.

“That was a tough one,” Burrow admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. The stat sheet showed a stellar performance – 324 yards and three touchdowns. But in the NFL, individual brilliance often pales against the harsh light of team failure.

ESPN’s September 23, 2024 article painted a vivid picture of the game. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to touchdowns on their first four full drives, building a 28-13 lead. Burrow and his offense, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm early on.

The weight of expectations hung heavy in the air. Cincinnati entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations. Now, they’ve lost to two teams that drafted in the top three last year. When asked if this added to his frustration, Burrow remained measured. “No game is easy,” he said, before acknowledging the opponent Daniel’s strength who went 21 for 23. “Jayden played unbelievable. You know, we had our opportunities and didn’t cash in on them,” Burrow remarked.

Despite the odds being against them for making the postseason, Burrow emphasized the importance of focusing on the next game against Carolina, saying, “We just come back to work on Wednesday. Come in tomorrow, watch the tape, improve the things that we can improve.”

Burrow’s resilience shone through as he addressed the team’s slim postseason odds. “We’re by no means out of it,” he stated firmly. “But, you know, playoffs and winning the division is the furthest thing from my mind. We just have to get better this week.”

Joe Burrow reflects on 0-3 start and prepares for a crucial week 4

As the dust settled on Monday night’s defeat, Burrow’s press conference revealed a leader grappling with adversity. “It’ll be some critical thinking that I’ll have to do,” he mused, “see what kind of leader I want to be going forward, what I feel like the team needs from me going forward.”

This introspective approach highlighted Burrow’s commitment to growth. He recognized the need to adapt his leadership style, a trait that separates great leaders from good ones in the pressure cooker of professional sports.

Burrow’s unwavering confidence in his team remained intact, even as questions swirled about the defense’s struggles. “Yeah, of course, we got the players,” he asserted. “I know we got great coaches, and we’ve got really good players that are willing to improve and take coaching.”

A sliver of hope was the connection between the quarterback and star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. “We caught it two times, and we scored two touchdowns,” Burrow said which referred to their success against single-high coverage all season long. In this time of need, it’s a glimmer of hope for a team that is hungry for offense.

Burrow’s words as Week 4 approaches are a rallying cry for a team that finds its own existence within the balance. “We haven’t played any division opponents yet,” he reminded reporters. “The Steelers are 3-0; other teams are 1-2; we’re 0-3, and we play all six of those games still coming up.”

Joe Burrow’s leadership may very well prove just the fuel that ignites Cincinnati’s comeback story. The road ahead is tough, as Burrow says, “It’s an exciting opportunity, just like every season is.” It’s not over yet for the Bengals–the season is just beginning to get exciting.

While we wait to see how Benglas moves on from here, why don’t you lock in for the latest EssentiallySports Think Tank interview with Doug Sanders?