Quarterback Joe Burrow led the Bengals to the AFC championship game, where they lost 23-20 to the Chiefs on Jan. 29. Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to throw in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs led 13-6 at halftime. Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Afc Championship Jan 29 139
The Cincinnati Bengals are among the few teams that’ve been able to corral the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Joe Burrow knows this, and this week, the former top overall pick made it clear what the team’s goal was.
Burrow spoke highly of the Chiefs during a press conference on Tuesday. He noted that they were the “gold standard” in the National Football League right now. It’s hard to argue that point, of course. The Chiefs have won three Super Bowls since 2020 and have made it to the AFC Championship Game every year dating back to 2018. This past year was the first time they hit the road for the AFC Championship, but it didn’t matter, as they defeated the Baltimore Ravens en route to their Super Bowl LVIII win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Brock Purdy and the Niners couldn’t get it done. But Burrow and the Bengals have proved before that they can. It appears that confidence hasn’t waned.
“They’re the gold standard right now. Everybody’s chasing them,” Burrow said. “Obviously, they’re back-to-back world champs. Somebody’s got to knock them off; I’m hoping it’s us.”
Burrow and the Bengals will likely get a crack at the Chiefs if they can rebound after a disappointing 2023 NFL season. They play in a loaded AFC North, but with the team’s talent, they could be back in contending position this year. Like everyone else, they will have their attention centered on Kansas City.