The QB is taking a stand for his rookie receiver.
Halfway through the NFL season, rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton is ready to play a bigger role in the offense, at least according to his QB.
Joe Burrow said Burton is “going to be a really good player.” And it seems he doesn’t think that’s too far into the future.
“He played great last week [against the Philadelphia Eagles],” the Cincinnati Bengals QB said. “He will take the next step with his knowledge of the game plan, his knowledge of the defense, his knowledge of the offense, the minute details of each route. I think Jermaine’s going to be a really good player.”
“He does a lot of things you can’t teach.” Joe Burrow spent several minutes praising the qualities and growth of Jermaine Burton. pic.twitter.com/2B7RJ7pjAL
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 30, 2024
Burrow also explained how Burton has benefitted from more reps in practice with Tee Higgins out, saying, “The last two weeks of practice that he’s had and the stuff he’s put on tape warrants more playing time for him.”
As examples, Burrow mentioned the route separation, the “little things he does that not everybody does to get open against man coverage: the eyes, the suddenness, the hand-fighting.”
Finally, he said, “It’s my job, it’s coach’s job, and his job as well to continue to find roles for him, find opportunities where we can get him the ball and continue to see what he can do, because I think he’s got explosiveness, and he’s got the ability that we need to harness and find a role for.”
With Higgins’ status still uncertain, Burrow and the Bengals will need Burton and the rest of the offense to step up to get their first win at home against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
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