September 16, 2025
Joe Burrow isn’t a top 5 QB.
Coming from a Bengals fan, this one stings. I followed Joey B from LSU, incredibly impressed with his talent, and sat in awe as he took Cincy to their first Super Bowl since 1989. Even in the Bowl game, he flourished, and I will forever put that loss on Eli Apple. But then things changed for Joe Cool. He came back into the 2023 season, performing okay at best, and then ended up suffering a season-ending injury during week 11 against the Ravens. He ruptured some ligament in his wrist. During the 2024 season, he managed to stay healthy, but didn’t perform to the level we all know he was once capable of. Panicking, fumbling, forcing interceptions, incomplete passes. Sure, all quarterbacks struggle, but come on. Then the press conferences were handled with such nonchalance, it seemed as though there were ample excuses, but no accountability and improvements. Now we’re heading into week 3 and Mr. Shiesty is already out for a few months with turf toe. Unbelievable. This was, of course, after putting up gross stats against the Jags and barely squeaking by with a win against the Browns. I just have to say, I am no longer impressed.
The Bucs could be Super Bowl bound.
Last year the fellas made it to the Wild Card round before bowing out to the Commanders in a 23-20 loss, so they’re on the road to redemption. Aside from bringing in hot, young talent like Emeka Egbuka, the remaining offense is standing strong and ready to take this season all the way. Yes, Baker appeared battered and bruised last night against the Texans, but he still managed to pull ahead in the final hour and keep the Bucs alive. With speed and force from guys like Mike Evans and Bucky Irvin and Rachaad White…not to mention the eventual return of Chris Godwin…the offense is practically unstoppable. And that defense? Not many are able to blow past Vita Vea. So you take the talent and add the fire burning from last season’s heartbreaking end and you have a team ready and rearing to bring home the Lombardi.
Caleb Williams is just…not good.
I know, I know…he was a first overall pick and the media loves the guy and thinks he’s the second coming of Jesus, but I just don’t see it. We are heading into week three and so far, the Bears are staring at two losses. No, a loss isn’t 100% on the quarterback, but when you take into consideration the interception against the Lions and barely hitting over 200 yards per game, not to mention way overthrowing multiple times, you’re not exactly setting yourself up for success. Caleb is also coming in 8th in terms of getting sacked so far this season, falling slightly behind players like Cam Ward (a rookie), JJ McCarthy (injured), Tua Tagovailoa (terrible), and Geno Smith (didn’t even manage a touchdown last night). Not a good look. Now after watching the tape, I do think Caleb is capable of achieving more, but maybe he’s just not ready. The Bears do tend to throw their rookie QBs into the deep end without a life preserver.
Kickers are under appreciated.
In 2021, the Bengals drafted a kicker (Evan McPherson) and became a laughing stock. Who in their right mind drafts a kicker, even as low as the fifth round? Well, so far for them, it’s paid off. Kickers are the forgotten ones of the team, however that seems to be changing slowly but surely. In 2024, there were thirteen games won by a field goal: Chargers, Falcons, Texans, Jags, Vikings, Cardinals, Colts, Patriots, Bucs, and Panthers (in OT). This year, mind you only heading into week three, there have already been four instances where the team’s kicker came in clutch. Spencer Shrader took the W for the Colts with a 45-yard FG against the Broncos. Nick Folks secured the win against the Jets with a 51-yard FG. Brandon Aubrey hit a whopping 64-yard FG sending the game into overtime, then followed up with a game winning kick later on against the Giants. And the 149th pick of the 2021 draft, Evan McPherson sealed the game winning FG with a 31-yarder against the Jaguars. These four are names you may not have paid any attention to in the past, but now? Now teams are relying on their kickers more than ever before to bring home the dubs.
Don’t sleep on the Lions just yet.
The Lions went into the 2025 season with a new OC and DC and fans were on the edge of their seats, dying to see what would happen. Unfortunately, they embarrassed the heck out themselves against the Packers and lost 13-27. Needless to say, we were all holding our breath heading into week two against the former Offensive Coordinator, Ben Johnson, and the Bears. Thankfully, the boys got down to the nitty gritty and showed up, crushing their opponents 52 to 21. Jared Goff threw for FIVE touchdowns, completed 23 for 28 for 334 yards, and had ZERO interceptions. Pure gold. The offense strapped in, held on, and had fun. The defense? Well they picked off Caleb Williams after immense pressure all day, allowing the defense to celebrate with the Stumble Bum trick play Ben Johnson used last year against the Bears. Absolute cinema.
Lucy, Author
Lucy is a graphic designer, author, and the wizard behind the team’s social content and website. Writing without plot twists or murder isn’t exactly her forte, but she’s made an exception for football — mostly so she can talk trash. A Bengals fan with commitment issues, she also shamelessly follows whatever team has the most talented players — or drama. If you’re a rival fan, just know she probably baited you on purpose.
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