Quick Hits | Joe Burrow-Tua Matchup Ditched As No. 1 Plays No. 231; Zac Taylor Gives DJ Turner II Pro Bowl Nod
Slants and Screens
Taylor isn’t sure if Stewart is ready to come off injured reserve after going full in practice last week. But he’s anxious to see him play after injuries have cost him all but five games.
“He does a great job taking it all in. Jerry’s office is right next to mine,” said Taylor of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery. “I can see the attitude he’s got every single day. And so I’m fired up when we do get him out there, whether it’s this week or not, for the future that he’s got here because he’s a guy that I’m really high on … . That’s tough to evaluate any rookie when they’re fighting through injuries.” …
Taylor wouldn’t confirm a report that he’s got two years left on his deal.
“I don’t think it really matters. I coach every day like it’s my last. I’ve been through years in 2019 and 2020 that were literally you coach every game thinking it’s your last game,” Taylor said. “I’ve seen how we responded after that in 2021 and 2022 competing for division titles and championships, so this year is no different for me …
Burrow offered support of the coaching staff Wednesday, as well as his mates.
“I think we have really smart coaches. We have a lot of highly talented people that go out and perform at a high level on Sundays, week in and week out,” Burrow said. “It’s hard for me to talk about the totality of the season this year because I was removed from it for so long.
“I haven’t had a season, I’ve played four games and that’s frustrating to me, kind of made me feel like I was on the outside looking in for a lot of it, because that’s what happens. So I’m just getting my feet wet again with all of this and it feels good, but I feel confident in the people that we have here.” …
For a 40-year-old backup quarterback, Flacco has made a bunch of appearances in these Quick Hits. Ranging from his NFL debut to Turner’s career-changing play in the opener. Burrow also referred to him Wednesday as one of the guys he’s emulating for a career he wants to be long.
“I think people have proven that you can play at a high level for a long time. Tom Brady proved it. Peyton Manning proved it. Drew Brees proved. Aaron Rodgers is proving it. Joe Flacco is proving it,” Burrow said. “So I want to be in the conversations with people like that, and I do everything I need to do for my body to prepare it for these games and for long-term success, and so I plan on doing it for a long time at a high level.” …
The Bengals had a shorter workout than usual on Wednesday in the I.E.L. Indoor Facility lasting about an hour.
“Just walked through today,” Burrow said. “Towards the end of the seasons, we typically do that on Wednesdays.” …
