“Joe Burrow returned to the field for the Bengals with 2 touchdowns in his first game since September. Joe Burrow’s ComebackHere’s what his comeback means for Cincinnati’s playoff hopes.”
In a performance that felt like a season reboot, Joe Burrow returned from a nine-game absence and threw two touchdowns, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a decisive 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night-1. This triumphant return has injected new life into the Bengals’ season, forcing the question: are the playoffs still a possibility?
Burrow, who had been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering a turf toe injury that required surgery, looked every bit the franchise quarterback Cincinnati had missed, helping snap a four-game losing streak and keeping their slim postseason hopes alive-1-3.
A Rusty Start Gives Way to Vintage Burrow
The Bengals’ first half was a story of missed opportunities. While they moved the ball effectively, they struggled in the red zone, settling for four field goals from kicker Evan McPherson-3. Burrow himself admitted to some initial rust, stating, “The whole first half, my feet were a little antsy back there.Joe Burrow’s Comeback I certainly missed some throws that I typically make” -1.
However, any doubts were erased in the second half. The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Burrow, on the run, fired a pass to tight end Tanner Hudson, who made a spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown-1-2. This was the play that head coach Zac Taylor said gave the entire team confidence-1.
Later, Burrow delivered a signature moment, lofting a perfect pass over a defender to hit wide receiver Andrei Iosivas in stride for another score-1-2. It was a throw that reminded everyone of what the Bengals had been missing. “That touchdown to Yoshi… I put it right where I wanted it,” Burrow said after the game. “That one felt good” -2.
More Than Stats: The Intangible “Joe Burrow Effect”
While the stat line—261 passing yards and two touchdowns—was solid, Burrow’s impact went beyond the numbers-1. His presence brought a palpable surge of confidence to the entire team.
- Leadership and Confidence: Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. pointed to the first big completion to Ja’Marr Chase as the moment he knew “Nine was back,” highlighting the element of confidence Burrow brings to the huddle-2.
- Emotional Lift: Safety Jordan Battle acknowledged the “Joe factor,” noting that the team knew everything was still in front of them with their quarterback back under center-2.
- A Reflective Comeback: After a long and strenuous rehab process, Burrow was reflective following the win. “It hasn’t been easy on me through six years… I worked really hard to put myself in position to be back out there,” he said. His emotional celebration after the Iosivas touchdown showed just how much it meant to him-1-2.
So, What Are the Cincinnati Bengals’ Playoff Chances with Burrow Back?
At 4-8, the Bengals’ path to the postseason is narrow, but Thursday’s win proved it is not impossible-7. The victory improved their division record to 3-1, a critical tiebreaker, and kept them alive in the AFC North race-7.
The mindset is simple: win out. “We pretty much have to win every game at this point,” Burrow had acknowledged before the game. “The only way you’re going to do that is by attacking each week like you have to be 1-0 that week” -4. With this win, the Bengals took the first step.
The road ahead remains challenging, but the equation is clear. If the Bengals can win their remaining five games to finish 9-8, they would have a realistic shot at winning the division-4-7. This daunting task begins with carrying the momentum from the Ravens game into a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills next week.
Conclusion: A Season Rekindled
Joe Burrow’s comeback was more than just a single game; it was a statement. It reaffirmed his status as an elite quarterback and rekindled hope for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 season. While the playoff odds are still long, the team’s identity has been restored. With Burrow back, the Bengals are a team no one will want to face, and as long as he’s on the field, their window—as Burrow himself once said—remains open-6. The journey continues next week, but for now, Bengals fans can celebrate the return of their leader and the thrilling possibilities that come with him.
