Anthony Farris
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Don’t poke the bear. Or in this case, the Bengal. Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale went poking around Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and ended up getting bit. On Sunday, Burrow threw for a Bengals franchise record 525 yards in a 20-point win over Martindale and the Ravens, days after the DC attempted to downplay Burrow’s early-career success.
“(Davante) Adams is one of the top two receivers in the league and he’s not No. 2. Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Fame quarterback, and I don’t think we’re ready to buy a gold jacket for Joe (Burrow),” Martindale said earlier in the week, describing the coverage Baltimore’s defense used against Green Bay, but didn’t plan to employ versus Cincinnati.
Joe Burrow acknowledging he saw the #Ravens DC Wink Martindale’s comment about Burrow not being of the quality of Aaron Rodgers to deserve the type of game plan the Ravens gave the Packers, said it might have been on his mind when dropping 500 yards today pic.twitter.com/aJVAudEwMU
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 26, 2021
Martindale should’ve schemed up a different defense, or at least have kept quiet. Burrow not only set the Bengals’ single-game passing record, he also tossed four touchdown passes and didn’t turn the ball over. He did so partly in response to Martindale unintentionally fueling Burrow’s competitive fire. “I didn’t think it was a necessary comment,” Burrow said following the win. “I wouldn’t say I was offended by it. I mean, I’m in Year Two. Who knows what’s going to happen down the road? But I didn’t think it was a necessary comment.”
Cincinnati’s played the Ravens twice this season. They’ve scored 41 points each game, both wins. In those two games, Burrow’s thrown for a combined 941 yards and seven touchdowns.
When asked if Martindale’s comments were on his mind towards the end of Sunday’s win, a smirking Burrow simply replied: “Maybe.”
Next up for Burrow and the Bengals is a home date with the Chiefs. After that? Canton, maybe.
Follow along on Twitter: @OhioAF
