When it comes to Joe Burrow, Carson Palmer likes him over Patrick Mahomes as the NFL’s best.
Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are undoubtedly two of the NFL's top superstars. However, former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer is showing his support for his fellow Cincinnati Bengals teammate and is backing Burrow every day of the week, including game days on Sundays.
Undoubtedly, Palmer has undergone a significant transformation since leading his team to a crushing victory in the run-up to Super Bowl 56. While he has always held a certain fondness for his Heisman Trophy fraternity brother, his time in Cincinnati almost ruined his passion for the game. However, following an unfruitful stint in Oakland, Palmer eventually found himself in Arizona, where he became one of the Cardinals' top players in NFL history, ultimately ending his career on a high note.
At present, I'm not entirely certain that even Joe Burrow's family members would choose him over the incredible talent of Patrick Mahomes, who is arguably the greatest quarterback we have seen since Dan Marino.
Palmer had a conversation with his younger brother, Jordan, discussing what sets Joe Burrow apart as the NFL's top player.
Carson Palmer tabs Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes as NFL’s best quarterback
I believe it's fantastic for the NFL to have an emerging AFC rivalry between Cincinnati and Kansas City, similar to the one we witnessed for more than a decade between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots when Peyton Manning and Tom Brady dominated the field. However, it's important to note that Burrow is merely entering his fourth year in the league after his time at LSU, while Mahomes is entering his seventh season.
This age gap is noteworthy because, although Burrow's final season at LSU was remarkable, he has only had two standout seasons as the Bengals' starting quarterback. On the other hand, Mahomes has won the NFL MVP award twice and has even led the Kansas City Chiefs to two Super Bowl championship parades, which the Chiefs Kingdom has enjoyed. Perhaps, with time, this age gap may become less relevant. However, for now, it certainly puts Mahomes in a more favorable position.
I must credit Palmer for acknowledging that Burrow is achieving far more than anyone had anticipated in an incredibly challenging situation. Burrow has managed to win playoff games in Cincinnati, something that Palmer, along with his talented successor, Andy Dalton, were never able to achieve under Marvin Lewis. While the Chiefs are known for being well-organized, the Bengals have a reputation for being stingy.
To sum it up, Burrow does not have the same level of support as Mahomes. While the Bengals are no longer considered dysfunctional and have improved their organization, it's worth considering if Mahomes would be able to achieve the same level of success if he was playing for Zac Taylor and the Bengals instead of Andy Reid and the Chiefs. In all honesty, I think he would still do pretty well, but he may not be as phenomenal as he is currently.
Palmer stated that Burrow's athleticism is often underestimated. It's important to recall that Burrow's NFL profile when he first entered the league was similar to that of Joe Montana and Tony Romo, both of whom excelled not only in the pocket but also on the basketball court. On the other hand, Mahomes' father was a long-time relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, mainly for the Minnesota Twins.
All things considered, Mahomes has accomplished more than Burrow at the professional level primarily because he has been in the league for three years longer. Nevertheless, this age difference will become insignificant in due course since we know that Burrow will continue to develop as the Bengals' franchise player. The most exciting aspect of this debate is that we are privileged to have one. Unfortunately, as of now, it's heavily tilted in Mahomes' favor.
Honestly, it would surprise me if the Bengals don't win their first-ever Super Bowl with Burrow leading the team. The same holds true for Mahomes winning at least one more championship before he retires. Even if Mahomes goes on to win three more Super Bowls than Burrow, as long as the latter secures one, there will be a discussion. It's incredibly challenging to win big in Cincinnati.
Although I appreciate Palmer's admiration for Burrow, it's undeniable that the NFL still belongs to Mahomes until someone proves otherwise.
