Ex-NFL LB rips Joe Burrow as Bengals QB's playoff hopes hang by a thread: "It's just unacceptable"

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has delivered a stinging critique of Joe Burrow. He questioned the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback's standing among the NFL's elite as his team faces a must-win scenario in Week 18.

Acho, who previously ranked Burrow as the second-best quarterback in football behind Patrick Mahomes, now finds himself backtracking on that assessment. His criticism gains weight as the Bengals (8-8) need both a victory and help from other teams to secure a playoff spot.

Speaking on The Facility Show on January 3, Acho expressed his frustration. This comes despite Joe Burrow leading the NFL with 4,641 passing yards and 42 touchdowns while throwing just eight interceptions in 2024.

"I can no longer keep claiming you're the second best quarterback in football. That's long gone if you missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Once, people would suggest this for fluke, but twice becomes a habit... It's just unacceptable for somebody I proclaim to be the second best quarterback in all of the league," said Acho.

The criticism arrives amid Joe Burrow's remarkable turnaround of the Bengals' season. Just a month ago, Cincinnati sat at 4-8, but four straight wins have kept their playoff hopes alive. Their final test comes against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated them 44-38 on December 1.

Divided opinions on Joe Burrow's season

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The debate surrounding Burrow's 2024 campaign has fractured NFL analysts. James Jones sparked debate by suggesting Burrow "has wasted a great season," on The Facility Show (Jan 1). Troy Aikman on Monday declared he'd vote for Burrow as MVP on The.

Meanwhile, Burrow's stellar connection with receiver Ja'Marr Chase has powered Cincinnati's offense. Chase approaches a rare receiver Triple Crown, leading the NFL with 117 receptions, 1,612 yards, and 16 touchdowns.

"It's going to be a bloodbath," Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton warned about Saturday's Steelers matchup (Jan 2). "One team is in the playoffs. We're fighting for our playoff lives, so it's going to be fireworks."

The pressure intensifies as Cincinnati enters this decisive game potentially without key weapons. Running back Chase Brown (990 rushing yards) and receiver Tee Higgins (69 receptions, 858 yards, 10 touchdowns) remain questionable with injuries.