CBS Sports writer Bryan Deardo got inspired by Rory McIlroy's victory at The Masters this past weekend and decided to rank quarterbacks who need their "Rory Moment" by capturing a Super Bowl this coming season.
Bengals star Joe Burrow was third in the ranking.
"It's hard to believe, but Burrow will turn 29 years old during the 2025 season," Deardo wrote. "While he's still young, Burrow, to steal a phrase from Owen Wilson's character in the movie 'Wedding Crashers,' is not 'that young' anymore as he approaches his sixth season with the Bengals. A former No. 1 overall pick, Burrow has proven to be an elite quarterback during his time in Cincinnati.
"He led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 and an AFC title game appearance in 2022. Injuries (a recurring issue for Burrow so far in his career) cut short his 2023 season, but he rebounded last year by leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdown passes and finishing fourth in the league MVP voting. Burrow has been sensational, but, like LeBron James, another Ohio native who was drafted by his hometown team who had not previously won a title, Burrow's career won't quite be complete until he leads the Bengals to that elusive Super Bowl title."
Burrow could be set up to have an even better season this fall with another year in store playing alongside Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. That is if the Bengals solidify its offensive line well over the next few months.
All eyes are on the guard position as Cincinnati tries to beef up the protection around Burrow up the middle and give him even more time to slice apart defenses and get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2023 season.
