Joe Burrow arrives in Spain as the central figure in the NFL Madrid game, a matchup that will place the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons inside Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor did not hold back when assessing his quarterback, calling him arguably the best passer in the world right now.
Burrow has been among the league’s most productive quarterbacks through seven games, leading the NFL in completion percentage (73), passing touchdowns (20) and passing yards per game (302.1). He has thrown for 2,115 yards with six interceptions while guiding Cincinnati to a 5-2 record.
Taylor pointed to the details behind that production, praising Burrow’s consistency and his refusal to waste time in pursuit of improvement, whether through footwork, ball placement, reading receivers or studying opposing defenses. The coach said the Bengals hope that level carries into Sunday.
A Three-Headed Passing Attack
Burrow’s connection with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins gives Cincinnati one of the league’s most dangerous receiving tandems. Higgins ranks second in the NFL with 726 receiving yards, while Chase has 492. Each has been targeted 61 times, and together they anchor the top passing offense in football.
Taylor described having both receivers as a luxury, noting that the Bengals can align them on the same side or split them across the formation. When defenses choose to single-cover either player, Taylor said opportunities open up behind them. He also credited their attention to detail for allowing the staff to move them around.
Defensive Focus Turns to Robinson
Cincinnati’s defense has been a concern in recent seasons, and the Bengals sought to address it in the offseason by acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. Taylor said Lawrence helps lead a talented front, defending both the run and the pass and forcing opponents to plan carefully for him.
On Sunday, that front will be tested by Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, whose 780 rushing yards lead the NFL. Taylor called Robinson arguably the best running back in the league and said slowing him requires a complete plan because Atlanta builds so much from his presence, including play-action, bootlegs and screens. He also praised the Falcons’ defense, quarterback and overall scheme.
Robinson enters the game without a 100-yard rushing performance in Atlanta’s last four matchups, but his season-long production remains the foundation of Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
Burrow's Madrid Experience
For Burrow, the trip is a personal milestone. In his seventh NFL season, he said he had not previously traveled overseas and welcomed the chance to help grow the sport internationally. He called playing in Spain while doing what he loves a dream come true.
Burrow visited the Museo del Prado on Wednesday and hoped to see another museum or gallery before kickoff. He also noted that being recognized abroad can be surprising, recalling an encounter with American study-abroad students while walking around. Despite that attention, he said he enjoys the chance to feel a little more like a normal person.
Sunday’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL from 2pm.
