Justin Herbert vs Joe Burrow: The next great quarterback debate
By AJ Reed
![CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fboltbeat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2020-2F10-2F1272323137-850x560-0583fa675aa5149a00c6b9d646f6db36.jpg)
With 4 weeks through in the NFL season, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow are starting to take the media by storm in a gripping offensive rookie of the year race.
Fans of the LA Chargers have a lot to be happy about with what they have seen from Justin Hebert so far. 931 passing yards in just 3 games as a starter and a QB rating of 102.2, which puts him 11th in the NFL.
Combine that with a shaky offensive line, and Herbert has looked amazing and is well on pace for a chance at being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Herbert’s main competitor for the honor so far? Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow. In 4 games, Burrow has thrown for 1,121 yards and 6 touchdowns with a QB rating of 89.7.
Burrow, like Herbert, has the unfortunate displeasure of playing behind a terrible offensive line, and he has been sacked 15 times, second only behind Deshaun Watson for most in the NFL.
Both QBs have sparked a lot of excitement in their offenses and have set a few records for their production on the field. This gets even more impressive when you consider the rosters around them.
The Chargers are without Mike Williams, Trai Turner, and Bryan Bulaga on the offense alone. Justin Herbert has thrown 4 of his 5 touchdowns to rookies/first-year players, including 2 to Jalen Guyton, who went undrafted in 2019.
The Bengals, on the other hand, are much healthier but the rest of the roster needs some serious improvement. The defense has not helped whatsoever, allowing the sixth-most rushing yards in the league per game. Despite this, Joe Burrow has looked thrilling and a bright spot in this otherwise mediocre Bengals roster.
Expect this debate to continue heating up as the rest of the season plays out, especially if Head Coach Anthony Lynn goes back on his decision to keep Tyrod Taylor as the starter.
Next. Quarterly 2021 mock draft, version 1
Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow will continue to light it up in what will be an exciting offensive rookie of the year race.