There are three more games left on the schedule, but Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has already set a new single-season touchdown record following a whacky 37-27 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Burrow is now up to 36 touchdowns on the season after adding three from Sunday's win in Nashville. #34 found the hands of running back Chase Brown. #36, the record-breaker, was a deep shot to wide receiver Tee Higgins.
#35 tied the existing record that was set by Burrow in 2022, and it was his first to a defensive player and a former college roommate of his: Sam Hubbard.
.@JoeyB to @Sam_Hubbard_ 👀#CINvsTEN on FOX pic.twitter.com/nvc969MehU
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 15, 2024
Joe Burrow reflects on Sam Hubbard's touchdown
Burrow and Hubbard have been teammates for eight of the last 10 years going all the way back to Ohio State. The former crashed in the latter's dorm while visiting the school for the first time. One was a mere reserve biding his time while the other was a budding star in Columbus. When Hubbard left for the NFL, Burrow left for Baton Rouge and went on to become a college football legend for LSU.
Many years and 143 total NFL touchdowns later, Burrow and Hubbard were able to play pitch and catch for the first time ever. When Hubbard got into the end zone and looked back for the ball, Burrow confirmed to reporters he exactly where he was going with it.
"Yeah it was going to Sam," Burrow said of the call after the game. "That was the play, we had other options, but we're calling it because you want Sam to get a touchdown."
Burrow had never thrown a touchdown to a non-pass catcher before. Many a running back, tight end, and wide receiver have been blessed by his end zone accuracy, but never before a position player not used to seeing the ball come his way.
Hubbard had taken five snaps on offense this season leading up to the play. This was the only time he ran a route, and he made the most of it.
"We had been putting him in down there all year to hopefully get a good look for it, and that was a great play by him. I'm sure he could've been a tight end if that's what he decided to do.
"It was a big play in the game," Burrow said. "I had faith in Sam to go make that play. He's got good hands, and it's a play we've talked about. I think it was four-down situation, it's why we ended up going with that one."
.@joeyb gives @Sam_Hubbard_ his flowers!! pic.twitter.com/nt9KqgDeRo
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 15, 2024
It's a phenomenal moment for Hubbard in the midst of a rough season. A hamstring injury from all the way back in training camp has taken a toll on the 29-year old as his production and usage has been way down, and he now has another injury to deal with.
Hubbard landed awkwardly on his right knee after hauling in his coveted touchdown and didn't return for the remainder of the game. He told reporters that it could be a PCL injury.
Bengals DE Sam Hubbard told reporters in Nashville that he believes he could have injured the PCL in his right knee. Will get an MRI.
Hubbard: "Whatever it is, I'm happy to get the win. Happy to be a spark for the team."— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 15, 2024
Should Hubbard have to miss the final three games of the year, we may've already seen the last of him in a Bengals uniform. His contract doesn't expire until after the 2025 season, but the team can release him and save nearly $10 million in salary cap space this offseason.
What a final play this would be if this is it for Hubbard.
