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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has once again made history, becoming the first player in the NFL this season to surpass 4,000 passing yards. Burrow achieved this feat in the first quarter of the Bengals' Week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. The milestone came on a pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins, setting Burrow apart as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
A Strong Start to Week 16
After entering the game needing just 23 yards to reach 4,000 passing yards, Burrow wasted no time, achieving the milestone early in the first quarter. Soon after, he connected with Higgins again for a 2-yard touchdown pass, a throw Burrow made just before hitting the ground. CBS play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes praised the play, saying, "Just otherworldly for Burrow. Just the upper-body strength to get this ball out. We're running out of adjectives to describe what we're seeing from Joe Burrow."
A Consistent Performer
This marks the third time in Burrow's five NFL seasons that he has surpassed the 4,000-yard mark. His previous high came in 2021 when he set the Bengals' franchise record with 4,611 passing yards. Burrow has also continued to break his own records, surpassing his own Bengals' single-season touchdown record last week in Tennessee, where he threw his 36th passing touchdown of the season.
Injury Concerns and Player Confidence
Despite a minor scare in the Bengals' previous game against the Dallas Cowboys, where Burrow appeared to limp after a facemask penalty, he continued to play without missing time. The NFL later announced it would consider using replay assistance for facemask penalties. Former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer expressed concern about the frustration Burrow appeared to be experiencing, but Burrow remained confident after the game, stating he is optimistic that the team can re-sign wide receiver Tee Higgins for next season.
Historic Achievements Amidst Challenges
Even in the face of adversity, Burrow's resilience has been evident. In Week 11, he became the first quarterback of the season to reach 3,000 passing yards, marking another impressive achievement in a year full of historic performances.
