Nick Wright noted that Joe Burrow was Patrick Mahomes’ only rival, but while Burrow was in and out of the game over the last two years, Mahomes won back-to-back Super Bowls.
Nick Wright claimed Joe Burrow is the only rival that Patrick Mahomes has (Image via IMAGO/X)
If there’s one player Nick Wright believes can defeat Patrick Mahomes in the NFL, it’s Joe Burrow. On the other hand, the seasoned football analyst argued that the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has left every single one of his rivals behind in the last 2 years.
Wright and his co-hosts, as Tyreek Hill instructed, discussed the NFL Network’s Top 100 players list during the latest episode of FS1’s First Things First. He pointed out Burrow was the only one whom he would consider a rival of Mahomes, but in the last two years while he was in and out of the game, the Chiefs quarterback won back-to-back Super Bowls.
IF Patrick Mahomes has a rival, it's Joe Burrow. But Mahomes doesn't have a rival.Nick Wright said
Burrow is the only player currently in the league with a winning record against Mahomes. The 2021 Comeback Player of the Year is 3-1 with two wins in the regular season and the other win in the 2021 AFC Championship game.
This is why there’s no rivalry [between Burrow and Mahomes]. Since Joe last beat Patrick... it’s been 610 days. Since then, Patrick has won 7 playoff games. A league MVP and 2 Super Bowls.Nick Wright said
In Wright’s view, Burrow could be on par with the six-time Pro Bowler if he defeated him in the 2022 AFC title game, which all-pro defensive tackle Chris Jones put an end to. However, Mahomes’ truly came alive the following season when the Chiefs’ receivers kept dropping the ball left right, and center. He led the team to wins over the Dolphins, Bills, Ravens, and finally the 49ers to win his third Lombardi in five years.
“IF Patrick Mahomes has a rival, it’s Joe Burrow. But Mahomes doesn’t have a rival.” 👀
— @getnickwright explains: pic.twitter.com/svgYGebS4s
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 6, 2024
Joe Burrow is eagerly waiting to face Patrick Mahomes
While Mahomes won all the accolades, Joe Burrow suffered because of recurring injuries to his calf and then hurt his wrist, missing out on the rest of the seasons. The Bengals finished with 8-9, losing out on the playoffs.
Joe Burrow (Image via IMAGO)
On the flip side, the injury gave Burrow extra time to prepare for the 2024 campaign, and the tie he is eagerly looking to play is against the Chiefs in week 2.
He's [Patrick Mahomes] gonna go out and make plays, and that brings out the BEST in me. It's always an exciting challenge when we go up against each other. It's an opportunity... All eyes are going to be on it.Joe Burrow told Kay Adams of Up and Adams
If Burrow can stay healthy throughout the season, then the Bengals have a solid chance of making it into the playoffs. As per the Sharp Football Analysis, they have the 6th toughest fixtures in the league with odds of -120.