Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has found himself at odds with former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky over the latter's ranking of Burrow in his offseason quarterback rankings list.
Burrow's game has been widely praised by those in the NFL and retired legends alike, with many considering him one of the top three quarterbacks in the league. However, Orlovsky's list paints a different picture, with Burrow ranked eighth in arm strength and fourth in ball placement.
According to Orlovsky, Burrow's injury-filled 2025 season opened the door for others to move up the list, despite his still-excellent ability to pin the ball to his receivers. Burrow's low turnover rates and top-level ability to get through reads have been overshadowed by his ranking of eighth in decision-making, a spot that seems out of place given his on-field performance.
Offseason rankings lists often take into account a quarterback's durability and consistency, which makes Orlovsky's assessment of Burrow's game all the more puzzling. The Bengals quarterback has been praised for his mechanics and pocket presence, and it's worth noting that Orlovsky's list is just one of many, with Burrow receiving high marks in other areas.
The ranking has been seized upon by onlookers as bulletin-board material for the upcoming season, with many expecting Burrow to prove himself as an all-around elite quarterback in 2026. For his part, Burrow has yet to comment on Orlovsky's assessment, but the Bengals' quarterback will have another chance to show his doubters wrong in the upcoming season.
The controversy surrounding Orlovsky's ranking serves as a reminder that even the most highly-regarded quarterbacks can be subject to criticism and debate. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Burrow can silence his critics and prove himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Source: Yahoo Sports