Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are inextricably linked. Such is the case when you head the two best offenses in the AFC.
Both are blessed with tremendous arm strength; both are willing to tuck it and run; and both have spearheaded Super Bowl-caliber rosters through the gauntlet that is conference play.
It's commonplace to evoke one when the other is brought up in discussion. In fact, many dubbed the Chiefs' clash with the Bengals in last year's AFC Championship as the matchup to decide just which signal-caller was better.
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Ultimately, it was the Chiefs ending the day in victorious delirium, with Mahomes overcoming the rival Burrow for the first time in his career. He outshined the Bengals quarterback in the clash and Mahomes' Super Bowl MVP a few weeks later only further cemented his status as the NFL's top quarterback.
Nevertheless, neither Mahomes nor Burrow opined much on their supposed rivalry. At least not until now.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Burrow explained that above all else, Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league, ranking the Kansas City star over everyone, even himself.
"I don’t think there’s any argument right now. It’s Pat until somebody has a better year than he’s had," Burrow told reporters on Tuesday on the subject. "He’s the one to knock off."
Burrow says Mahomes is the best QB in the NFL right now:
— Ari Meirov (@AriMeirov) June 13, 2023
(via @Bengals) pic.twitter.com/EdE4WbAkcq
What is it they say about game recognizing game?
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Burrow's assessment appears to be the correct one. Since Burrow entered the league in 2020, Mahomes has tossed a league-leading 116 touchdown passes. He also has two Super Bowls to his name compared to his younger counterpart, who has none.
And that's not to mention Mahomes' skills outside of the pocket, where he has shined time and time again over the course of his glittering career.
All of that is to say Burrow knows what the score is. And despite his impressive 3-1 record at Arrowhead Stadium, all signs point towards his touchdown-tossing counterpart sitting at the top of any end-of-season ranking.
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The 2023 season presents a new challenge for the Chiefs and the Bengals. Perhaps that opens the door for Mahomes to give up his title as the league's best.
Still, it's hard to bet against No. 15. Just ask Burrow.