The Cincinnati Bengals dropped their opening game of the 2023 NFL season on Sunday, September 10, in horrendous fashion, failing to score in a 24-3 loss against the Cleveland Browns on the road.
Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow threw for a career-low 82 yards, completing 14 of 31 passes with no touchdowns and no interceptions, less than 48 hours after it was first reported that he signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension which made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The 26-year-old said that missing most of the training camp and preseason due to a calf injury could be factors for his dismal showing, but he did not want to make any excuse.
"Those things happen when the quarterback doesn't perform in training camp. That was obviously something I would have liked to have done, but no excuses. It's, obviously, not very good today," Burrow said.
The highest-paid player in the league also said that "nobody is panicking" within the team and "Week 1 doesn't define anybody's season."
Read more: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Make Crucial Contract Decision on Longtime Wide Receiver Mike Evans
Joe Burrow Denies Parents' Offer
Joe Burrow's father, Jim, shared that he and his wife, Robin, wanted to visit and celebrate with their son after he inked the record-setting contract.
However, the 2021 NFL Comeback of the Year refused his parents' offer, saying he was focused on preparing for the NFL season.
The 2022 Pro Bowl selection was even in the middle of studying game film when his parents called, and he certainly did not want any distractions.
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