Hall Of Fame QB Takes Shot At Bengals’ Ownership
Credit: Sam Greene - via Imagn Images
The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals have been a massive disappointment. They have the pieces to compete and the offensive stats to show for it, yet they continue to falter in increasingly frustrating ways.
Cincinnati native Dan Patrick had NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young on his show this week and couldn’t help but ask what wasn’t adding up for the Bengals.
“Can you explain the Joe Burrow situation here?” Patrick said. “27 touchdowns, four interceptions? He’s had three games of over 300 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Statistically, it’s almost impossible to lose those games.”
Unreal. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/XJNriLjDaV
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) November 19, 2024
For Young, it’s simple. “I think what you gotta do is not look at Joe Burrow.” He said. “You probably have to look at everyone else, including we don’t do a good job of looking at the ownership in the NFL. And I think we should do more of that, personally. Because I think it speaks to a lot of what’s happening on the field. Of course, we can’t fire the owners…I’m just saying when things look really weird, go to the top and then work down.”
If anyone understands the importance of ownership it’s Young. The former Super Bowl Champion was able to play on the great 49ers teams assembled by Eddie DeBartolo. DeBartolo, despite his later transgressions, was the first owner to truly prioritize player experience off the field. The Niners traveled the best, ate the best, and were treated the best. The results spoke for themselves. A winning culture was built and great players wanted to be there. Robert Kraft would later famously credit DeBartolo with providing the model of success he followed when he bought the Patriots.
People in Cincinnati have known for far too long how the ownership group treats the team, and the results of that behavior. In 2024, when pro sports owners are as visible as they’ve ever been, every bit of light shone on the situation helps to hold the people truly responsible for the team’s record accountable.
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