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By Matthew Davis
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow being on the field has been make-or-break for the team since his rookie year in 2020.
The Bengals' 2026 season will likely ride on Burrow's arm and health again, amid postseason aspirations. As training camp kicked off on Wednesday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor named two favorite qualities he sees in Burrow. It's the ego-free approach and flexibility by Burrow — not just all the on-field talent and intangibles.
“I think that’s his attitude is, ‘What do you need from me for us to be at our best?’” Taylor told reporters. “But I think to have that lack of ego at quarterback is huge for our team and for our offense.”
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That's not normally the first thing that comes to mind with NFL quarterbacks amid strong public comments and contract squabbles for massive deals. However, the Bengals know Burrow wants to win in Cincinnati or possibly play somewhere else down the road.
Taylor noted the minor changes his staff has made for offensive scheme and involving Burrow in those decisions. After all, the Bengals have a 43-33-1 record with Burrow on the field and a 7-16 record without him since 2020.
"More tweaks. I think that's the biggest thing," Taylor said about the offense and Burrow's involvement. "Then you say ideas and things, it's more just the part of the process that he's really good at: instead of having this backside route be this."
"Let's do this. I can finish my progression a little better if he's over here. Maybe after repping a play, he's got some real thoughts on that. So that comes up more game week, not training camp," Taylor added. "But there are certainly times when he'll text me during the week. 'Hey, watch the tape. Here are two ideas I got. Does it fit with what we're doing?'"
It's the kind of leadership the Bengals will need from Burrow in working with Taylor in order to get back to the playoffs this year. For Taylor, it's how he will secure his job with the Bengals beyond 2026.
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