Lamar Jackson labeled a “washed-up, glorified RB masquerading as a QB” as Joe Burrow is told to stay healthy for eight minutes before manifesting a Super Bowl (Image via Pinterest: Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson)
Jackson has already won an MVP and established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
In his latest press conference, Jackson said, “I was hurt last year too. Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road,” the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback said. Some told him to “manifest playing 17 consecutive games first,” while others joked, “Why don’t you stay healthy for eight minutes?
Two sides to one story: Super Bowl chase by two NFL quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow may be chasing the same Super Bowl dream, but both quarterbacks face growing fan frustration over familiar narratives. I really couldn’t do anything that I wanted to. Whatever it takes to win, that’s what I’m all about. The comment did not sit well with some fans, who responded, “Excuses. Excuses. If you are injured, don’t play. To add to the criticism, some labeled the Baltimore Ravens quarterback a “washed-up, glorified RB masquerading as a QB. On the other side, Burrow’s latest press conference saw him express frustration with repeatedly looking toward the future. “I’m tired of saying next year, next year, next year. This is it. That, too, drew criticism from fans. Another fan summed up the frustration by saying, “Every year, it’s the same sh*t: insane hype, a million excuses, then he’s hurt again. The patience is wearing thin. Both quarterbacks remain immensely talented, but injuries, setbacks, and unfulfilled expectations have made their Super Bowl pursuits increasingly out of reach. So, where do they go from here? Burrow has already taken the Bengals to a Super Bowl and proven that he can perform on the biggest stage. What remains is the ultimate football prize. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Fans can debate injuries, offensive lines, backup quarterbacks, and roster construction all day. But eventually, both quarterbacks will be judged by what happens when the postseason arrives. For Jackson, the challenge is turning regular-season dominance into a deeper playoff run. For Burrow, it is staying healthy long enough to give Cincinnati another opportunity to get the job done. The talent is there. The motivation is there. The Super Bowl dream is still very much alive. Now, both quarterbacks need the next chapter to be more than another promise that this will finally be their year. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
A quarterback alone can’t be blamed for a team’s failures
That has not always happened in Burrow’s case. As for Jackson, his dual-threat style means he frequently runs with the football, putting additional demands on his body. Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his seasons, leaving the Baltimore Ravens in a difficult position when their franchise quarterback is unavailable. Jackson has also faced criticism for his ability to stay healthy for an entire season. When he goes down, the Ravens have to rely on their backup options, and the pressure immediately shifts to the rest of the roster. That does not necessarily mean Jackson should carry all the blame. A quarterback can only control so much when injuries and team-wide shortcomings enter the equation. Burrow’s injury history has created a similar problem in Cincinnati. His turf toe injury, for example, kept him out for an extended period and forced the Bengals to sail through much of the season without their starting quarterback. When Burrow is healthy, however, the Bengals have demonstrated how dangerous they can be. He has already taken Cincinnati to the Super Bowl, including Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams, where Matthew Stafford led Los Angeles to its championship. For Burrow, the frustration is understandable. He is tired of repeatedly talking about what the Bengals will accomplish “next year. But turning that frustration into a championship requires more than just Burrow staying healthy. If Cincinnati wants to maximize Burrow’s championship window, keeping him upright has to be a priority. The Bengals also need to build a roster that can support their quarterback, particularly on offense. As for its defense? Trey Hendrickson had emerged as one of the team’s most crucial pass rushers, making his presence felt if Cincinnati wanted to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately for Burrow, Hendrickson left for Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore this offseason. Now, the bigger question is whether the Bengals can surround Burrow with enough protection from offensive linemen and defensive firepower to make another Super Bowl run possible. Likewise, Baltimore needs to ensure that Jackson does not have to carry the entire offense on his shoulders. His unique running ability is one of the biggest reasons he is so difficult to defend, but the Ravens also need a supporting cast capable of winning games when their quarterback is not at his best. Jackson and Burrow are at different points in their careers, but the pressure surrounding both quarterbacks is becoming increasingly similar.
Yes, the throws come from the quarterback, but before the quarterback can throw a pass, he must be protected.