**Bengals Star QB Joe Burrow is the No. 3 Player and No. 2 QB on the PFF50 – PFF’s Highest-Graded Passer**
Joe Burrow’s ascent to the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks has been nothing short of remarkable. In Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) prestigious PFF50 rankings, which highlight the top 50 players in the league, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star signal-caller has secured the No. 3 overall spot and stands as the second-ranked quarterback, trailing only Patrick Mahomes. What’s more, Burrow boasts the highest PFF passing grade among all quarterbacks, a testament to his precision, poise, and ability to elevate his team in critical moments.
Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has transformed the Bengals from perennial underachievers into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. His rapid rise is a product of his elite accuracy, football IQ, and unshakable confidence under pressure. Despite suffering a devastating knee injury during his rookie season, Burrow returned with a vengeance in 2021, leading Cincinnati to an improbable Super Bowl run. His performance in that postseason—particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game—cemented his status as one of the game’s premier passers.
PFF’s grading system, which evaluates every snap with meticulous detail, underscores Burrow’s efficiency and consistency. His ability to dissect defenses with quick decision-making and pinpoint throws has made him the highest-graded passer in their metrics. Unlike some quarterbacks who rely heavily on physical tools or improvisation, Burrow thrives within structure, executing offensive schemes with near-flawless precision. His 2022 season further solidified his standing, as he led the NFL in completion percentage (68.3%) while throwing for 4,475 yards and 35 touchdowns.
One of Burrow’s most impressive traits is his performance against pressure. While many quarterbacks see a significant drop in efficiency when facing a collapsing pocket, Burrow remains remarkably composed. His quick release and anticipation allow him to mitigate pass-rush threats, and his willingness to stand tall in the face of pressure has resulted in countless clutch completions. PFF’s data reflects this, as Burrow consistently ranks among the best in adjusted completion percentage and passer rating under duress.
Another factor in Burrow’s elite PFF grade is his chemistry with his receiving corps, particularly Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. The Bengals’ passing attack is one of the most explosive in the league, and Burrow’s ability to distribute the ball with perfect timing and placement maximizes their talents. His deep-ball accuracy is among the best in the NFL, and his decision-making in the red zone has been nearly flawless, resulting in a high touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Beyond statistics, Burrow’s leadership has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s resurgence. His calm demeanor and competitive fire have galvanized the locker room, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. The Bengals, once viewed as a franchise mired in mediocrity, now carry themselves with the swagger of a team that expects to win—a direct reflection of their quarterback’s mentality.
While Patrick Mahomes remains the gold standard at the position, Burrow’s rapid development suggests he is closing the gap. Their head-to-head matchups, including two thrilling AFC Championship battles, have already become must-watch football. With each passing season, Burrow continues to refine his game, and his standing as PFF’s highest-graded passer indicates that his best years may still be ahead.
As the 2023 season approaches, expectations for Burrow and the Bengals are sky-high. With an improved offensive line and another year of continuity within the system, Burrow has all the tools to make another MVP-caliber push. If he maintains his current trajectory, it won’t be long before he claims the top spot in the PFF50—and perhaps, more importantly, brings a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati.
In a league dominated by superstar quarterbacks, Joe Burrow has carved out his place among the very best. His combination of intelligence, accuracy, and toughness makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and PFF’s grading system validates what Bengals fans already know: Joe Burrow isn’t just a franchise quarterback—he’s one of the greatest players in the NFL today.
