Joe Burrow Says 'Nobody is Panicking' After Bengals' Blowout Week 1 Loss to Browns

The Cincinnati Bengals didn't start the 2023 season on a strong note, losing 24-3 to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in what could only be described as an impotent effort on the offensive side of the ball.

But Joe Burrow isn't sweating it.

"Nobody is panicking," he told reporters after the contest.

"Week 1 doesn't define anybody's season," he continued. "Obviously, not very good out there. Anybody that watched saw that. But we have been in this spot before and come back stronger and had great years. That's what we are going to do."

You could forgive Bengals' fans if they were panicking at least a little, however.

Burrow finished 14-of-31 for 82 yards without a touchdown or turnover, taking two sacks. It was his lowest yardage in a game during his career. The Bengals managed just 142 yards from scrimmage, six first downs and never so much as reached the red zone.

Granted, Burrow only returned to practice on Aug. 30 after missing just over a month with a calf strain. Maybe a bit of rust was to be expected. The rainy and sloppy weather didn't help.

But the Browns were dealing with those same conditions and still managed 350 yards from scrimmage (including 206 on the ground), 20 first downs and both a passing and rushing touchdown from quarterback Deshaun Watson.

And it probably wasn't the first performance Burrow wanted after signing a five-year extension worth up to $275 million on Saturday, with $219 million guaranteed.

Ja'Marr Chase definitely wasn't thrilled with Sunday's result:

But maybe it shouldn't have come as a surprise that the Bengals lost to some "elves." Burrow is now just 1-5 against the Browns and the Bengals have lost six straight times in Cleveland.

It wasn't how Burrow or the Bengals would have envisioned starting the season. Luckily for them, it's only one game out of 17.