Posted on Dec 15

Bengals confirm Burrow will start despite playoff elimination and recent struggles

Posted Dec 15, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tumultuous end to their season, with quarterback Joe Burrow continuing to play through significant injury despite the team being out of playoff contention.

Why it matters: The Bengals decision to keep Burrow as the starting quarterback underscores their commitment to both player development and maintaining competitive integrity, even as they navigate a disappointing season.

Burrow's experience and leadership remain crucial for a franchise that hopes to rebound in future seasons.
His performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given his history of injuries, which include a torn ACL and a ruptured wrist ligament.

What’s new: Following a disheartening 24-0 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens—effectively ending their playoff aspirations—the Bengals' coaching staff reaffirmed Burrow's starting role.

Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized, “We want to win,” indicating the team's desire to finish the season strong rather than simply concede.
Despite Burrow's struggles this year, including missing nine games due to injury, he is poised to start the final three contests.

By the numbers: Burrow's recent statistics paint a troubling picture of his performance.

In the loss to the Ravens, he completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards, failing to throw any touchdowns while recording two interceptions.
His Total QBR of 21.4 ranks as the third-lowest among starting quarterbacks in Week 15, highlighting the challenges he has faced on the field.

Yes, but: While Burrow acknowledges his shortcomings, he remains focused on improving and finishing the season positively.

"I think this is one of the worst games I've played... I hold myself to a high standard and today didn't come close," Burrow admitted, reflecting his self-awareness and commitment to excellence.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher noted the need for Burrow to regain his confidence and control, which are pivotal for success in modern offensive schemes like the spread or West Coast.

What’s next: As the Bengals prepare for their remaining games, they hope to build momentum and restore some pride.

ESPN's Football Power Index favors Cincinnati in their last three matchups, suggesting potential opportunities for Burrow to showcase his abilities.
How Burrow performs will not only affect the outcome of these games but also set the tone for the Bengals’ offseason strategy, particularly regarding roster adjustments and injury management.

The bottom line: The Bengals are committed to maximizing Joe Burrow's potential even amid adversity, viewing his continued development as vital for their long-term success.

Bengals confirm Burrow will start despite playoff elimination and recent struggles

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 15, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tumultuous end to their season, with quarterback Joe Burrow continuing to play through significant injury despite the team being out of playoff contention.

Burrow's experience and leadership remain crucial for a franchise that hopes to rebound in future seasons.

His performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given his history of injuries, which include a torn ACL and a ruptured wrist ligament.

What’s new: Following a disheartening 24-0 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens—effectively ending their playoff aspirations—the Bengals' coaching staff reaffirmed Burrow's starting role.

Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized, “We want to win,” indicating the team's desire to finish the season strong rather than simply concede.

Despite Burrow's struggles this year, including missing nine games due to injury, he is poised to start the final three contests.

By the numbers: Burrow's recent statistics paint a troubling picture of his performance.

In the loss to the Ravens, he completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards, failing to throw any touchdowns while recording two interceptions.

His Total QBR of 21.4 ranks as the third-lowest among starting quarterbacks in Week 15, highlighting the challenges he has faced on the field.

Yes, but: While Burrow acknowledges his shortcomings, he remains focused on improving and finishing the season positively.

"I think this is one of the worst games I've played... I hold myself to a high standard and today didn't come close," Burrow admitted, reflecting his self-awareness and commitment to excellence.

Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher noted the need for Burrow to regain his confidence and control, which are pivotal for success in modern offensive schemes like the spread or West Coast.

What’s next: As the Bengals prepare for their remaining games, they hope to build momentum and restore some pride.

ESPN's Football Power Index favors Cincinnati in their last three matchups, suggesting potential opportunities for Burrow to showcase his abilities.

How Burrow performs will not only affect the outcome of these games but also set the tone for the Bengals’ offseason strategy, particularly regarding roster adjustments and injury management.

The bottom line: The Bengals are committed to maximizing Joe Burrow's potential even amid adversity, viewing his continued development as vital for their long-term success.