The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up the 2024 NFL season with their traditional battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing the year with a hard-fought 19-17 victory. While the win marked the close of their campaign, the Bengals unfortunately fell short of the playoffs, ending the season with a 9-8 record. This was particularly tough for fans to digest, especially considering they started the season with three consecutive losses and even sunk to 4-8 before rallying for five straight wins.
With the offseason officially begun, star quarterback Joe Burrow took to social media to reflect on the season. "Season toremember. I'm sorry you won’t get to watch anymore. Year 5 in the books," he posted alongside photos celebrating the key moments of the season. Burrow led the league with impressive stats: 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, making the 2024 campaign one to be remembered.
Ja'Marr Chase, Burrow's primary pass catcher, didn’t hold back on social media either. "MVP LOADING," he commented on Burrow's post, hinting at Burrow's bid for the MVP award. Currently, Burrow's odds stand at +1400 according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen having the best chance at -230, followed closely by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at +185.
This season truly showcased the chemistry between Burrow and Chase, who many argue forms the league's premier quarterback-receiver duo. Their connection dates back to their college years at LSU and has flourished throughout their time together with the Bengals.
Chase capped off his historic season by securing the rare receiving triple crown. He became only the sixth wide receiver to lead the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdown catches (17) within the same season since the NFL-AFL merger. Other legends who achieved this feat include Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, Steve Smith Sr., and Cooper Kupp. Burrow spoke glowingly of Chase after their win over the Steelers: "[Ja'Marr] deserves it all. He works really hard for it. He's obviously a great player and person, and I'm excited to be part of it. It’s special to etch his name in history like this."
Chase's statistics tell the story of his remarkable season. Completing over 50 yards receiving in 16 out of 17 games, he secured at least five receptions in 15 games and delivered dominant performances against tough teams, including 21 receptions for 457 yards and five touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens. His stellar play helped establish franchise records as well, tying Carl Pickens' record for touchdowns set back in 1995.
Burrow, too, had personal milestones to boast about. His season achievements placed him among elite company; he became just the third quarterback ever to pass for at least 4,500 yards, 40 touchdowns, and fewer than 10 interceptions, joining historical legends Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Burrow's consistency stood out, illustrated by him winning the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 412 yards and four touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. His stellar November earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Month, and as the season closed, his name was mentioned prominently among MVP discussions.
Setting records became second nature for Burrow, who established the NFL record for eight consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He has now tied the franchise record for completion percentage at 70.6%, matching Cincinnati legend Ken Anderson, and broke his own franchise records for both yards and touchdowns.
Despite facing scrutiny early on related to his recovery from wrist surgery last season, Burrow responded with poise. He remarked on his season, stating, "I thought I'd have my best year. I think I did. I still think I can throw it waybetter... You’re still getting a feel for howthat wrist is feeling as the season progresses, and it getsbetter each week. I expect next year to be evenbetter," hinting at his eagerness for future competitiveness.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of things, Trey Hendrickson solidified his status as one of the premier sack artists in the NFL by leading the league with 17.5 sacks, finishing the season more than three sacks above second-place Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Hendrickson punctuated his powerful performance with 3.5 sacks against the Steelers. Head Coach Zac Taylor praised Hendrickson's relentless work ethic, saying, "You put him up there with all of the best pass rushers. He’s just done it every single year since he’s been here. He produces, and I’m really proud of Trey."
For Bengals fans, this season was filled with highs and lows, but the accomplishments by Burrow, Chase, and Hendrickson establish clear expectations for the future. Although the playoff berth eluded them this year, the pathway constructed by these star athletes sets the foundation for potentially greater achievements coming down the line. With their legacy defined, the Bengals look forward to next season, hoping to build on the remarkable milestones reached during 2024.