Emmanuel Acho labels 2024 as make-or-break for Joe Burrow - "What will you do in that pivotal year five?"

Joe Burrow has had a roller coaster ride in the NFL so far. In his short four-year journey, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has tasted extreme success and, rightfully, has earned the reputation as the best quarterback in the league, behind Patrick Mahomes.

Burrow also has had his share of lows, most of them due to injuries. Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho believes it's the primary reason why the 2024 NFL season will be a make-or-break year for Burrow. Speaking on FS1's "Speak," Acho said that the Bengals QB needs to perform to consolidate himself in the top position after missing out on game time.

"That's why I think it is a make or break year for Joe Burrow," Acho said. "Because right now Joe Burrow is in a hodgepodge with the second, third and fourth best quarterback in football... We know Mahomes is one."

Adcho added that Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow's positions as the top two, three and four quarterbacks in the NFL are ever-changing.

"To me, Joe burrow has to solidify himself as the second best quarterback in football and the only quarterback who can beat Patrick Mahomes."

Acho continued, drawing parallels with Joe Burrow and Carson Wentz's NFL careers. The current Kansas City Chiefs and former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was off to a hot start in the NFL. But then, multiple injuries affected Wentz, and his career has never been the same ever since.

"I believe Burrow is better than Carson Wentz," Acho said. "But the parallel I'm drawing is this is one of those two years Burrow has been hurt. Two years he's gone to the AFC Championship Game. What will you do in that ever so pivotal year five?"

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Bengals QB Joe Burrow is motivated to prove himself in 2024

Joe Burrow's 2023 NFL season was cut short prematurely due to a wrist injury he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. The Cincinnati Bengals QB knows the impact of missing out on game time.

Speaking on Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast, Burrow agreed that people might have forgotten how good of a player he was. The Bengals QB is motivated and excited to remind people of his greatness and get them talking in the upcoming 2024 NFL season.

"I believe that, yeah," Burrow said. "That's what happens when you get hurt though. You don't play football. People forget about you... But again, that's part of the game. If you're not out there and people aren't watching you then there's nothing to talk about. So I'm gonna give people something to talk about this year."

The Cincinnati Bengals have built a solid roster, despite losing some pieces this offseason. A healthy Joe Burrow's return will be a massive boost for the Bengals and they will go as far as Burrow leads them.