Throughout the 2024 NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow has put on a display of extraordinary performances, yet the numbers have deceitfully mirrored a strange consequence—a season wrought with unexpected losses. In a sport where statistics often tell the story of triumph, Burrow has defied this narrative, achieving a set of unfortunate records that underscore the unpredictable nature of the game.
Most recently, against the Los Angeles Chargers, Burrow threw for a remarkable 356 yards, collecting three touchdowns and notably avoiding any interceptions. Despite this stellar performance, the Bengals succumbed to a 34-27 defeat. This game embroidered yet another inglorious feather in Burrow's cap, marking him as the only quarterback to lose three games in a single season while posting 300 or more yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, a record dating back to the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Under these conditions, Burrow's record stands at a disheartening 0-3 this season, starkly contrasting the collective 14-2 record held by other quarterbacks in similar situations.
The bright spots in Burrow's performances have been shadowed by a lack of wins. Consider the poignant Week 10 loss to the Ravens, where Burrow's efforts saw him throw for an astounding 428 yards and four touchdowns. Still, it was not sufficient to secure a win, as the Bengals fell 35-34. This instance pushed Burrow into the annals of NFL history as the first quarterback to surpass 400 passing yards and four touchdowns in back-to-back games, yet lose both. Remarkably, these statistics have led to more losses in a single season for Burrow than such performances have caused in Tom Brady's entire 23-year career.
Elsewhere in the league, the Detroit Lions are painting a contrasting picture of success. Coming off a commanding 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars—a defeat marking the largest losing margin in Jaguars' franchise history—the Lions boast a formidable 9-1 record as they approach Week 12. This victory, part of their high-scoring streak, underscores their offensive prowess. Notably, the Lions have been on a scoring spree, having netted over 50 points in consecutive home games. The synergy between Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown has proven especially valuable, collectively scoring in their eighth game and setting an NFL record.
Unique narratives are not in short supply this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers have carved out a peculiar success story, achieving a 2-0 record in games where they did not score a touchdown, a striking contrast to the rest of the NFL which holds a 2-18 record under those circumstances. Furthermore, kicker Chris Boswell has etched his name in history by successfully kicking six field goals in three separate games—a first in NFL history.
Across the field, the glow of individual performance also captivates attention. Rookie Bo Nix made history by completing 28 of his 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Taysom Hill's versatility was on full display as he accumulated over 100 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 50 receiving yards, and 10 passing yards in a single game. Jared Goff achieved a perfect passer rating of 158.3 with 412 yards and four touchdowns, an accomplishment rarely seen.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders turned in a game with no punts or turnovers—a rare occurrence only seen once before in their franchise history—showcasing an unusual blend of efficiency and control. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers extended their dominance over the Chicago Bears with an 11-game winning streak.
The San Francisco 49ers, striving to secure a playoff berth, are navigating a challenging season with a 5-5 record. Yet, optimism is a common currency, particularly when considering rookie Brock Bowers, who set the record for the second-most receptions (70) by a rookie in his first 10 games. Equally noteworthy, Justin Jefferson has surpassed Torry Holt's longstanding record for the most receiving yards (6,811) in a player's first five seasons, a remarkable testament to his prowess and consistency.
In the midst of this tumultuous and record-breaking season, the Cincinnati Bengals, despite Burrow's efforts, find themselves in a paradox, having suffered five losses when scoring 25 points or more. This statistical anomaly underscores a broader theme—performance alone does not always dictate outcomes in the unpredictable dance of professional football. As the season progresses, each week continues to unfold new narratives, rewriting the longstanding scripts of NFL lore.