08-05-2021, 05:13 PM
Joe has been cleared to play, which means he has basically healed from surgery. Now he has to get 100% and most of that is just playing and learning to trust it again. But in Burrow's case, he needs to be able to trust the OL that got him killed last year to be able to have full confidence. I think Burrow is still Burrow and will have a great career, but right now in order to really be 100%, then he has to work through things that only reps and playing time will help him with. He said it himself. He needs to get out there ad take some hits to feel normal again and thats why he's lobbying Taylor for some preseason reps. I dont blame him. He know himself better than anyone and if thats what he needs to regain confidence in his knee, then so be it. Give it to him.
But really the best overall thing Taylor can do for Burrow is build a dominant run game and use it often. That would give Burrow a way easier route to get back to 100% and growing than what we did last year, throwing a zillion times per game would. This is a year to lean on Mixon more than any I can think of. If we can run and play good defense, then I think Burrow will thrive on it. If it looks like last year, I think it will take longer for Burrow to be totally 100% mentally.
So overall, you have to play him or he will never get over the hurtle.
But really the best overall thing Taylor can do for Burrow is build a dominant run game and use it often. That would give Burrow a way easier route to get back to 100% and growing than what we did last year, throwing a zillion times per game would. This is a year to lean on Mixon more than any I can think of. If we can run and play good defense, then I think Burrow will thrive on it. If it looks like last year, I think it will take longer for Burrow to be totally 100% mentally.
So overall, you have to play him or he will never get over the hurtle.
