Joe Burrow Assesses Bengals' Win vs. Buccaneers, 'Big-Time Players Making Big-Time Plays'

The Cincinnati Bengals started their season with a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the team looks to make its way back to the playoffs.

For quarterback Joe Burrow, the win came down to "big-time players making big-time plays."

"It was a great team win. Big-time players making big-time plays in big-time spots," Burrow told reporters (6:25 mark). "I know nobody's satisfied, obviously. It's one week. We still have a lot of football to play, but good stuff."

Burrow used plenty of "big-time players" in the win as he threw to nine different receivers. He went to tight end Mike Gesicki the most, as he collected five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Burrow finished with 254 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 25-of-35 passing.

"If I didn't have that interception, I'm feeling great walking out of here. You can't make plays like that, so I got to get that fixed," Burrow said. "Offensive line was pretty lights out. I thought we ran the ball, ran the ball well in spots, and you know, I got the got the ball to my guys in space pretty quickly."

Somewhat surprisingly, Ja'Marr Chase had just two receptions for 12 yards, getting four balls from Burrow thrown his way. The good news for the Bengals is that if they were able to get the win without Chase and Burrow connecting, they'll only be more dominant once those two hit their stride.

The Bengals have had a dissapointing three seasons, missing the playoffs in each of the last three years since reaching the AFC Championship game in 2022.

Last year was marred by a bad defense and injuries for Burrow, who played just eight games.

Cincinnati has work to do after Week 1, and Burrow recognized that, but it's fair to say the Bengals can compete for a Super Bowl as long as they stay healthy this year.