Joe Burrow Took Some TOUGH Hits | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders

In a hard-fought preseason matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders, one of the standout moments was the tough physical toll taken on Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow. While preseason games are often seen as warm-ups and tune-ups for the regular season, this game highlighted how quickly injuries and brutal hits can affect a star player like Burrow. Despite showing incredible toughness, Burrow took some serious hits that left fans and analysts alike concerned about his health heading into the 2025 NFL season.

The Hits: A Difficult Night for Burrow

The game, played at FedEx Field, wasn’t kind to Joe Burrow. Despite being protected by a strong offensive line, Burrow found himself under pressure multiple times throughout the game. Washington’s defensive line, which boasts some powerful and quick pass rushers, was able to get to Burrow on several occasions, and they didn’t hold back.

The first hit came early in the first quarter when Burrow was forced to scramble after a breakdown in protection. While trying to avoid a sack, Burrow was hit hard by Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis. The blow seemed to catch Burrow off-guard, but he got up quickly and shook it off, displaying his resilience. However, it was clear that the hit had shaken him, and it raised concerns about whether his ability to maneuver in the pocket would be compromised as the game went on.

Later in the first half, Burrow took another hit from Washington’s defensive end Montez Sweat, who powered through the Bengals’ offensive line to sack the quarterback. This time, Burrow stayed down for a moment longer than usual, briefly clutching his lower back. While he quickly got up and stayed in the game, the hit was a reminder of just how brutal the NFL can be on its quarterbacks, particularly when they’re taking repeated hits.

The Importance of Protecting Burrow

The question on every Bengals fan’s mind after watching Burrow take these tough hits is whether the team’s offensive line is doing enough to protect their franchise quarterback. While Burrow has shown incredible poise and the ability to take a hit and get back up, consistently being under pressure can have long-term effects, not just on a player’s body but also on his performance.

The Bengals have spent significant resources in recent seasons improving their offensive line, and it’s clear that the unit has made strides. However, Washington’s defensive front, led by players like Sweat and Davis, is one of the toughest in the league. The fact that Burrow was under pressure in a preseason game suggests that he may face a similar amount of pressure in regular-season matchups, particularly against elite defensive fronts.

In a year where the Bengals are aiming to build on their Super Bowl appearance and remain a perennial playoff contender, Burrow’s protection will be crucial. The team needs to ensure that their offensive line can hold up against the league’s top pass rushers. While Burrow’s toughness is unquestioned, consistently taking hits throughout a season is a recipe for disaster, and the Bengals know they must protect their star quarterback to have any chance of reaching their goals.

Burrow’s Resilience: Tough as Nails

Despite the tough hits, Joe Burrow’s resilience and ability to shake off injuries have been a defining part of his career. Known for his calm demeanor and leadership, Burrow has been through his fair share of adversity, including the devastating ACL injury that ended his rookie season. This tough mentality is why fans and teammates alike have so much confidence in him.

Burrow continued to play throughout the game, despite the discomfort, and even led the Bengals on some impressive drives. His ability to perform despite being under pressure speaks to his mental fortitude and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025 season.

One of the key takeaways from Burrow’s performance in this game is how much he has grown as a leader. Even after taking those big hits, he never seemed rattled and kept leading his team with confidence. This is something that will pay huge dividends as the season progresses and the stakes get higher.

Looking Ahead: Managing Burrow’s Health

The Bengals’ coaching staff and medical team will no doubt be closely monitoring Burrow’s health following this game. While Burrow’s ability to play through the pain is a testament to his toughness, the team needs to balance his desire to stay on the field with the long-term health of their franchise quarterback.

Cincinnati has a capable backup in Jake Browning, but there’s no question that Burrow is irreplaceable for this team. The Bengals must continue to build an offensive line that can protect Burrow while also ensuring that he doesn’t take unnecessary hits. As the season progresses, there may be a need for more adjustments to the offensive game plan to better shield Burrow from the kind of punishment he took in this game.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

As expected, fans quickly took to social media after the game to voice their concerns about Burrow’s health. #ProtectBurrow was trending as fans called for better protection of the Bengals’ star quarterback.

“Burrow is too valuable to the Bengals’ future to be taking hits like that. O-line needs to step up,” one fan tweeted.

Others praised Burrow’s toughness, saying, “Joe Burrow is a warrior. Takes hit after hit and keeps coming back. He’s the future of the Bengals.”

While the tough hits didn’t seem to slow Burrow down, the concerns over his health and well-being heading into the regular season are very real. The Bengals will have to make sure their offensive line can deliver the protection Burrow needs if they want to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion: A Preseason Wake-Up Call

While preseason games are typically not the best indicator of how a team will perform in the regular season, Joe Burrow’s rough night against the Washington Commanders serves as a wake-up call for the Cincinnati Bengals. The offensive line needs to be at its best to ensure that Burrow is protected and can continue to lead the team to victory. Burrow’s toughness is undeniable, but the team must be strategic in managing his health and minimizing the physical toll of repeated hits.

The Bengals have the talent to contend for a Super Bowl, but they must prioritize protecting their most valuable asset—Burrow. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, how well the offensive line plays will be one of the key factors in determining the Bengals’ success this year.