“He Could’ve Played in the ’90s”: Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman on Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Braden Ramsey | 10/12/2024
Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Troy Aikman knows who most NFL fans and analysts consider to be the league’s best quarterbacks. However, neither Patrick Mahomes nor Josh Allen is his favorite active signal-caller. That honor belongs to Joe Burrow.

During a radio hit ahead of Monday Night Football, Aikman extensively praised Burrow. In addition to saying the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback was his “favorite QB in the NFL,” he admitted Burrow might even be his “favorite player of all time.” Aikman claimed Burrow’s ability to throw with anticipation is second to none.

Aikman reaffirmed his belief in the opening moments of MNF as Burrow was taking the field:

“He’s an old-school quarterback. He reminds me of the guys I played with in the [1990’s].”

The Bengals’ record doesn’t reflect it, but Burrow has been dominant this year. Through Week 13, he led the NFL in passing yards (3,337) and passing touchdowns (30).

If Cincinnati was in legitimate playoff consideration, he’d be right alongside Allen, Lamar Jackson, and others in the MVP conversation. Instead, his excellence has essentially been wasted. And his domination was once more on display during the first half of MNF.

Burrow leads Cincy to 17-10 halftime lead

Cincinnati (4-8) punted on the first possession of their MNF matchup against Aikman’s Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Cooper Rush promptly orchestrated a scoring drive that culminated with an 11-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb.

The connection, which gave the Cowboys their first opening possession touchdown of the season, came on fourth down.

Burrow took things from there. On the Bengals’ ensuing drive, he found Ja’Marr Chase for a 5-yard score to tie the game. Then, late in the second quarter, he hooked up with running back Chase Brown for a 19-yard touchdown.

Burrow’s first-half production – 19/26 (73.1%), 207 yards, two touchdowns – was enough to stake Cincinnati to a 17-10 halftime lead. If his defense can hold up against Dallas’ offense, the Bengals could win and keep their extremely faint postseason hopes alive for another week.

Post Edited By: Leslie Xavier
Joe Burrow Troy Aikman

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Braden Ramsey

Braden Ramsey has always been a big NFL fan. He has written about the league for various outlets, and covered the sport at a number of levels throughout his life. His favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. When he's not writing, Braden can be found enjoying comedy of all kinds and hanging out with friends.

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