Tag: Joe Burrow

Draft heat check: Is it Tua Tagovailoa or Joe Burrow for the Bengals?

Is it Tua or Burrow for the Bengals? Vote in our poll.

The Cincinnati Bengals remain on pace to hold the top pick in the 2020 NFL draft — which means it is Tua Tagovailoa or Joe Burrow time.

While Ryan Finley still has plenty of time to show he can be the player of the future for the Bengals under center, it has always seemed like he wouldn’t do enough to nudge the front office toward a Chase Young on draft day.

So for right now, the question is simple — which one?

Do the Bengals prefer Tagovailoa, the Alabama passer with a 70.9 completion percentage with 31 touchdowns and three interceptions? Do they like his leadership, playing experience and ability to move in the pocket? Does the recent ankle injury scare them?

Or what about Burrow? Does his 78.9 completion percentage with 33 touchdowns and four picks outweigh the fact he’s only just now emerging as a top prospect?

What about age and locale? Will Tagovailoa survive the draft process’ look at his just being another Alabama quarterback surrounded by elite prospects? Will Burrow’s leap go under the microscope? Burrow was born in December of 1996, Tagovailoa March of 1998, which is another factor to keep in mind given the developmental track of young quarterbacks that is well established (Finley, December 1994).

Heck, the questions don’t stop there. Does Burrow’s head-to-head win over Tagovailoa mean much, or does the Alabama product get the benefit of the doubt for playing through injury?

No easy answer exists right now. But for fans, it sure beats the tar out of solely focusing on a winless team with no end to the struggles in sight. Vote below to determine who should lead the quarterback race for the Bengals right now.

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This great story about Joe Burrow running sprints has an analyst comparing him to Tom Brady

The hype around Joe Burrow has no bounds.

Joe Burrow seemed to impress the LSU Tigers as soon as he stepped on the practice field during a transfer visit. Technically he was still a backup quarterback for Ohio State. But when Burrow saw the Tigers running wind sprints, the quarterback couldn’t help himself. He asked whether he could get a pair of shoes and shorts to join the team.

That was surely step one, as he began to win over the LSU program. And it’s stories like that one — paired with his tremendous performances this season — that have led to Burrow’s insane rise into stardom. College football analyst Rick Neuheisel told the story of Burrow’s visit to LSU, and explained why he thinks Burrow draws natural comparisons to Tom Brady.

The hype around Joe Burrow has no bounds, particularly after he won a shootout on Saturday night against Alabama, Nick Saban and Tua Tagovailoa. He and Burrow seem to be locks to go first- and second-overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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The Dynasty Isn’t Over – Top Tide Takeaways: Alabama vs LSU

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the LSU Tigers for the first time since 2011, 46-41.

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On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the LSU Tigers for the first time since 2011, 46-41. Coming into this game, a lot was on the line: the SEC West Title, the ability to play in the SEC Championship Game, and a good chance to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. After Saturday, there’s been a lot of conversation regarding whether Alabama still deserves a shot to be in the CFB Playoff after Saturday’s loss. Regardless, the Crimson Tide not only has a lot to address and work on, but Alabama has a lot to prove to themselves and the CFB Playoff committee that they’re better than they played on Saturday. 

Here are some of the Top Tide Takeaways from Saturday’s matchup.

  1. The second half, especially the third quarter, was Alabama’s game. Not only did they hold LSU to zero points in the third quarter, but they were able to 13 total points in the second half while putting 28 points on the board themselves. Going into halftime down by 20 points, Alabama did what they needed to do to adjust and get ready to fight in the second half. Although they still lost by 5 points, the second half of the game showed a team that had grit, passion, and determination. 
  1. Alabama’s running game showcased the ability and talent we knew they’ve had all season. Najee Harris had an incredible game with 19 carries for 146 yards and a TD. His footwork and field vision gave Alabama the momentum it needed to continue downfield. Not only did he have a rushing touchdown, he also had a HUGE receiving touchdown with the Tide down by 20. 
  1. Although Tua Tagovailoa struggled in the first half, he still finished the game with 418 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. Tagovailoa clearly wasn’t 100%, but still played his heart out, one foot and all, and that’s all Bama Nation could ask for. 

Area(s) of Concern

  1. Defensively, Alabama struggled a lot to hold and contain LSU, but that’s not a shock. Alabama’s defense is young, and have had to adjust after losing both Dylan Moses and Labryan Ray defensively. Alabama gave up 559 yards to the Tigers, something uncharacteristic of the Tide in previous years. But with the defense as young as they are, this isn’t surprising. And the defense is full of talent that will continue to improve and develop over time. 

All in all, this was a well fought game on both sides. Although Alabama came up short, the second half proved that this team is capable of winning big games. Not only was Tua Tagovailo not 100%, but the defense is young, both of which will take time. But know this: the dynasty is NOwhere near over.

After all, Alabama has been in this position before with no playing in the SEC Championship Game, but still getting into the CFB Playoff. Only time will tell. 

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