James Jones Sparks Debate by Questioning Joe Burrow’s Elite Status Amid Bengals’ Struggles
June 2, 2025
In a recent appearance on FS1’s “The Facility,” former NFL wide receiver and current analyst James Jones ignited controversy by asserting that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow does not belong in the same elite tier as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. Jones’s critique centers on Burrow’s performance in the absence of top-tier wide receivers and the Bengals’ recent team struggles.
Jones’s Critique of Burrow
Jones did not mince words in his assessment:
> “Joe Burrow has not been good, man, the last two years, and starting off this year, he ain’t been good,” Jones said. “He was 5-5 last year, and then went out with an injury, all right. Then they went 4-3 without Joe Burrow. Joe Burrow without top, elite wide receivers is average. He is. But we keep living on the Super Bowl appearance, but we don’t live on other stuff for other quarterbacks. Joe Burrow’s not playing good football right now. He ain’t right, and we keep putting him up there, saying he better than Josh Allen.”
Jones’s comments suggest that Burrow’s success is heavily reliant on the presence of elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and that without them, his performance is merely average.
The Bengals’ Recent Performance
The Bengals have faced challenges in recent seasons, missing the playoffs two years in a row. Despite Burrow winning Comeback Player of the Year and Ja’Marr Chase leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, the team struggled with defensive issues and offensive line breakdowns. Last season’s poor defensive performance, particularly their inability to stop the run and communication issues in the secondary, contributed to their downfall. The offensive line also faced scrutiny, with changes in coaching staff and personnel aimed at rectifying these issues.
Burrow’s Individual Achievements
Despite team struggles, Burrow’s individual accolades are noteworthy. He has been named NFL Comeback Player of the Year twice (2021, 2024), selected to two Pro Bowls (2022, 2024), and led the NFL in completion percentage in 2021. He holds Bengals franchise records for most passing yards in a game (525), most passing yards in a season (4,611), and most passing touchdowns in a season (35).
In terms of career passer rating, Burrow ranks fourth all-time with a rating of 101.2, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson.
The Debate Over “Elite” Status
The term “elite” in the NFL quarterback context is often subjective and debated. While Jones places Mahomes, Jackson, and Allen in the elite category, others argue that Burrow’s accuracy, mechanics, and leadership qualities merit inclusion. ESPN rankings have previously placed Burrow at the top in categories like accuracy, touch, and mechanics.
Analyst Ben Solak of The Ringer recently ranked Burrow in the “great” category, alongside quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Matt Stafford, placing Mahomes in a tier of his own and Allen and Jackson in the “elite” tier.
Conclusion
James Jones’s comments have sparked a renewed debate over Joe Burrow’s standing among NFL quarterbacks. While team struggles and reliance on top receivers are valid considerations, Burrow’s individual achievements and statistical rankings suggest a player of high caliber. As the Bengals aim to address their team issues and return to playoff contention, Burrow’s performance will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny, with his elite status hanging in the balance.
