Burrow: Bengals 'going to be fine' despite 0-2 start

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took a page out of Aaron Rodgers' book Wednesday while explaining why it's not time to hit the panic button despite Cincy's 0-2 start.

"Everyone is frustrated," Burrow said Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons. "But ... we're not panicking. Two games in, we've got 15 games left. Let's all just take a deep breath and relax. We're going to be fine."

The Bengals entered 2022 with high expectations after reaching the Super Bowl last season but have struggled in their first two games, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime and to the Dak Prescott-less Dallas Cowboys.

Cincinnati is the only team in the NFL that hasn't had a lead this year.

"We've just got to quit beating ourselves, start faster, and then we'll get more chances," Burrow said.

He added: "The first game, first drive, pick-6. Next drive, fumble, give them 10 points off the bat, and now we're playing from behind. Defenses can pin their ears back, play third-down defense, (and) don't have to get up and challenge us. Same thing next game, we get down 14-3 early, starting in first-and-15s for the first three drives."

Cincy has particularly struggled in pass protection despite signing three starting linemen during the offseason in guard Alex Cappa, center Ted Karras, and tackle La'el Collins. Burrow has been sacked a league-high 13 times.

"You can go and win on every route, but if you don't have the protection, it doesn't matter," said Burrow, who was also the most sacked quarterback in the NFL in 2021.

"And you can protect for as long as you want, but if you don't go win, it doesn't matter. It all works together."

Burrow has completed 64% of his passes for 537 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions this season. The Bengals visit the New York Jets in Week 4.

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