Joe Burrow has been turning up the heat as the Cincinnati Bengals continue to fight for their season. The quarterback has topped the charts in statistical departments.
However, that is not enough for former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and MVP voter Emmanuel Acho. He finds no reason to entertain the possibility of Burrow in the MVP chatter.
Emmanuel Acho Shuts Out Joe Burrow’s MVP Chances
The 28-year-old has registered the league’s highest totals in yards and TDs (4,641 yards and 42 touchdowns) with one game remaining in the season. However, during Acho’s appearance on FS1’s “The Facility,” the former LB aired out his grievances with Burrow’s candidacy.
“Let’s not be silly,” said Acho. “No, Joe Burrow should not be in the MVP race, and I cannot come up here and try to entertain that for one second… Joe Burrow, if your team is sitting here at 8-8 and potentially 9-8 at best, that is not the most valuable season.”
.@EmmanuelAcho can’t entertain Joe Burrow in the MVP race:
“We can’t disrespect the winning that has had to occur from previous candidates.” pic.twitter.com/vJohPOXHYi
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) December 30, 2024
Acho further highlighted that Burrow’s stellar performances should make him a worthwhile contender in the Offensive Player of the Year category, albeit not without some firm competition. “Now, you got to compete with Saquon [Barkley], you got to compete with Lamar [Jackson]. But we could put you in contention for that,” he said.
“We cannot disrespect the winning that has had to occur from previous MVP candidates and put Joe Burrow with his team at 8-8 as most valuable. I can’t do it.”
Zac Taylor Is a Fan of Burrow No Matter What
In a do-or-die game against the Broncos, the QB showed the world why he is in MVP contention. After the game, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor raved about his QB taking them one step closer to keep their season alive.
“[Burrow’s] awareness to get to a play like that just shows his next-level thinking,” Taylor said. “It’s just unbelievable that a play we don’t rep, it’s for one look only, he got the look in the most critical point in the season and checked to it. … It’s just unbelievable the way his brain works.”
However, the job is not yet done. This Saturday in Week 18 will be an all-AFC North affair as the Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals will have to rely on results elsewhere to make the playoffs, but a win would put them in the best situation to sneak in.