Joe Burrow remains central to everything the Cincinnati Bengals want to accomplish.

Stephen A. Smith stressed the importance of the Bengals’ QB1 on ESPN’s First Take. He highlighted the quarterback’s value and ability to make a difference whenever he takes the field healthy:

“We all know how great Joe Burrow is when he's healthy, when he's out on that football field. We know what a difference maker he is for the Cincinnati Bengals.”

Smith then linked Burrow to the Bengals’ decisions to retain several important players. He pointed to the contracts the Bengals gave Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and former Browns linebacker Trey Hendrickson as evidence of Burrow’s influence:

“Ja'Marr Chase got paid because of Joe Burrow. Tee Higgins got paid because of Joe Burrow. Hendrickson at the time got paid because of Joe Burrow.”

For Smith, those investments underlined how much Burrow means to Cincinnati. The Bengals have built a talented core around their franchise quarterback, making his presence even more important.

Bengals have provided Joe Burrow with crucial support

Stephen A. Smith pointed to the Bengals’ reputation for limiting their spending. He then said the organization did what was asked of them and protected Joe Burrow well in Week 1.

“So the Cincinnati Bengals, notoriously cheap, okay, not the greatest organization in the world, did what you asked them to do. And last time I checked this past weekend, they protected him pretty well. He wasn't getting slaughtered,” Smith said

Smith's comments underline the importance of protecting the quarterback as Cincinnati moves through the season.

Written by

Sayantan