The Cincinnati Bengals' signal-caller is no stranger to the spotlight, but the glare is getting intense. When The Athletic dropped its 2026 quarterback tiers this week, Joe Burrow landed in the top group alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Matthew Stafford. That decision, however, has ignited a firestorm among NFL fans who believe the Bengals' star is riding on reputation rather than recent results.
The elite QB tier is supposed to be reserved for the game's very best, and Burrow's arm talent is undeniable. A panel of 50 coaches and executives ranked every starter, and despite missing time last season, Burrow earned a spot in Tier 1. "He's so talented at throwing the ball, and he sees it so well," one offensive coach told The Athletic. "Everyone would want to have him, 10 times out of 10, no matter how much money he asked for."
But the fans aren't buying it. The backlash has been swift and brutal on social media, with many pointing to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson—who was placed in Tier 2—as the more deserving candidate. "Joe Burrow exists in a time distorted bubble where it is perpetually the morning of February 13th, 2022," one fan quipped, referencing the Bengals' Super Bowl LVI appearance. Another added, "How Burrow is ranked so high on these lists are insane to me. 3 years no playoffs after an impressive SB run and loss in the AFC ship."
The criticism has been even sharper from some corners. "Burrow's reputation has exceeded his resume," a third fan declared. Another questioned the logic directly: "What has Joe done that Hurts hasn't…..credibility gone. Stop saying what you want to be true, please….this is embarrassing." The debate echoes the ESPN rankings controversy that saw Jalen Hurts and Drake Maye supporters up in arms just weeks ago.
For Burrow, the pressure is mounting. The Bengals haven't sniffed the playoffs since the 2022 season. Even in 2024, when Burrow posted eye-popping numbers—4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns—Cincinnati still missed the postseason, thanks largely to a defense that couldn't stop anyone. That defensive ineptitude has been a recurring theme, and Burrow knows it.
"That's of paramount importance," Burrow said in January about fixing the defense. "You have to identify where you're weak and figure out a way to be strong in that area. That's the NFL year in and year out. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. You have to attack that period with intent to get better."
The Bengals have made moves to shore up that side of the ball, but questions remain. A recent injury to a key defensive piece has only added to the uncertainty. And with the season opener against the Cleveland Browns looming on Sept. 13, Burrow's window to silence his critics is closing.
While some argue that Burrow's offseason commitment signals a renewed focus, the skeptics remain unconvinced. The Athletic's tiers are meant to reflect current standing, not past glory—and for many, Burrow's recent body of work doesn't justify the elite label. As one fan succinctly put it, "This is embarrassing."
Whether Burrow can prove the doubters wrong will be one of the NFL's biggest storylines this fall. If he leads Cincinnati back to the playoffs, the criticism will fade. Until then, the debate rages on.
