The Cincinnati Bengals can’t seem to find their footing this 2025 offseason. Ongoing contract disputes in the front office have created tension, and Joe Burrow’s disappointing display at the Fanatics Fest quarterback skills challenge only adds to the turmoil. His performance underscored the larger issues plaguing the franchise.
Three fans beat Joe Burrow in QB Skills Challenge at Fanatics Fest. pic.twitter.com/V0AqH9mKvz
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 22, 2025
Burrow was among a select group of athletes participating in the 2025 Fanatics Fest quarterback skills challenge, but his showing left plenty to be desired. According to Darren Rovell of Cllct Media, Burrow scored just a 50—getting outscored by three fans and barely edging out former NBA star Dwight Howard, who finished with a 48.4.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led the way at the quarterback skills challenge with a top score of 67.2, while Tom Brady followed closely behind at 61.2. Russell Wilson, Eli Manning, and Jayden Daniels all tied for third with a 51.6—alongside three fans, creating a six-way tie ahead of Joe Burrow’s 50-point showing.
While the game isn’t a true measure of a quarterback’s on-field talent, it gave fans yet another reason to take jabs at Joe Burrow on social media. The Bengals have been under fire all offseason, and Burrow hasn’t been spared from the criticism.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals last season
Last season, the Bengals rolled out one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking sixth in scoring while leading the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. The Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the game’s elite, showing strong chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and rising talent Andrei Iosivas. But despite the offensive firepower, The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
The Bengals led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, ranked sixth in scoring, and placed ninth in total offense last season—proving they have the firepower. Now, the challenge is turning that production into results when it matters most and making the offense truly unstoppable in big moments.
Burrow is at the center of it all, and he looks more prepared than ever. Now 28, he’s stepping into his prime and coming off his strongest NFL season yet—completing 460 passes for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns.
An interesting off-season for the Bengals
While Burrow’s offseason misstep was mostly harmless and even a bit humorous, the Bengals’ overall offseason has been anything but. Following a drama-filled summer in 2024, Cincinnati now finds itself in an even more uncertain and frustrating spot heading into 2025, with no clear resolution in sight.
The Bengals’ offseason began with renewed friction involving Trey Hendrickson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Cincinnati managed to calm part of the storm by securing Chase and Higgins with massive contract extensions, but the standoff with Hendrickson lingers. The league’s reigning sack leader opted to sit out both OTAs and minicamp, frustrated by the team’s continued delay in addressing his deal.
Still, Burrow and the Bengals are determined to rewrite the story, shift public perception, and most importantly, restore their own belief in what they’re capable of achieving.
