Joe Burrow roasted on social media for Week 1 performance, days after signing record extension

Joe Burrow agreed to a contract extension on Thursday that made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

On Sunday, in the Cincinnati Bengals’ season opener against the Cleveland Browns, he played one of his worst games as a professional in a 24-3 loss. Burrow was 14-of-31 for just 82 yards.

What’s more, he was benched in the 4th quarter. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor inserted backup Jake Browing with the game, for all intents and purposes, over.

Expectations are obviously high in Cincinnati with Burrow locked up long-term and the Bengals looking for a 1st-ever championship. While it’s too early to shovel dirt on their season, things have gotten off to a poor start in the Queen City. It also bears mentioning that he suffered a calf strain in July, so Sunday’s performance will raise questions about that.

Burrow and the Bengals will look to bounce back during Week 2 as they open their home schedule against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

Burrow was obviously an easy target on social media given his newfound riches. Here’s just a sampling of the reaction:

https://twitter.com/Mike_Hogue/status/1700967477453209808

Joe Burrow’s numbers after signing a mega contract:

14/31
82 yards
0 TD
2 sacks

If Dak Prescott had a game like that after signing a contract extension ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2bbXjkkWPN

— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) September 10, 2023

Did the Bengals waste $275 million on Joe Burrow?

My column:

— Tyler Loechner (@LoechnerNFL) September 10, 2023

Cleveland defense had joe burrow looking like Andy dalton out there

— Sir Nesta (@Nestajoseph) September 10, 2023

Joe Burrow mailing it in ? putting in PTO while playing

— Chicago Sports Enthusiast (@BTwhooo) September 10, 2023

https://twitter.com/AM77923029/status/1700966877516759485

Be sure to check on the Joe Burrow manager in your league. We are not ok

— SportsChasers (@FollowYourShots) September 10, 2023

The heist of a century… When you take his yearly salary and divide it by 17 games the bengals paid Joe Burrow $231,092 for each of his completions this game only to end the game with 3 points! ?

— Believeland • CLE ‘TILL I DIE (@guild_brody) September 10, 2023

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.