Bengals QB puts himself in MVP conversation: Nobody was playing any better

The main focus of the NFL MVP debate will be on quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.

But there’s another AFC signal caller who had a pretty good season as well in that mix.

Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns during the regular season, yet he’s a relative afterthought because – unlike Jackson and Allen – his team failed to make the playoffs.

‘I don’t think anybody was playing any better than I was this year,’ Burrow said Thursday in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. ‘I doubt I win the award, but I think I was playing my best ball.’

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As for who does win MVP, Burrow stopped short of making a prediction.

‘Those guys are incredible. They’re great for the game,’ he said. ‘I don’t know who’s going to win but they’re both incredible players.’

Burrow set career highs with 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns and a 70.6% completion percentage this past season, but the Bengals repeated their history of slow starts, losing four of their first five games. However, they caught fire and were one of the most dangerous teams by the end of the season, falling just short of a playoff spot despite winning their final five games.

‘We just have to execute better early in the year,’ Burrow said. ‘I’m happy with how our training camps have gone. We work hard. We get good work in, but for whatever reason, the slow starts have continued.

‘We have to find a way to get that fixed. Those conversations will be had throughout the offseason.’

Another of the primary goals for the Bengals is keeping Burrow’s receiving corps intact.

Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase was looking for a long-term contract extension last summer, but ended up playing on a team option and having his best season as a pro – leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17).

‘We’re gonna re-sign him. It’s just a matter of when,’ Burrow said. ‘He’s gonna get what’s coming to him. He deserves all of it. He’ll be back.’

Burrow said he would also like to retain wide receiver Tee Higgins, who’s now a free agent. after a 10-TD season of his own.

‘Hopefully we can do what it takes to get him back.’

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