Cincinnati Bengals star QB Joe Burrow is making some waves going into week six of the NFL season.
Prior news stories over the Bengals’ young QB have been about him being the most sacked QB.
However, his latest comments are raising some eyebrows.
So what is the Bengals’ QB saying, and how are fans reacting to these comments?
Burrow Sees Diversity In Player’s Size At The QB Position
When talking to Colin Cowherd, Burrow went on talking about diverse skill sets at the QB position currently.
"You don't have to be 6'5", 250 anymore to be a QB in the league"
—@JoeyB on the diversity of quarterback play in today's NFL pic.twitter.com/q0AGd96h5i
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) October 13, 2022
The list of quarterbacks he named was long, from Kyler Murray to Tom Brady.
However, each of these quarterbacks has unique skill sets, which Burrow described.
With his Murray comparison, he notes how he’s short but makes up for that with his speed and accuracy.
But the reactions to his comments had some mixed results from fans.
One Twitter user notes how Burrow is wise for his comments.
Wise beyond his years.
— Mary Rose Gaughan (@MRGaughan) October 13, 2022
Another Twitter user didn’t know there was ever a set size for QBs in the NFL.
I didn’t know you ever had to be?
— Coach Harbubbles (@JimHarbubbles) October 13, 2022
However, one fan was offended that the Bengals QB left Russell Wilson off his list of named players.
You didn’t name Russ
— DON KENOBI (@DonKenobiMusic) October 13, 2022
But are his comments about the new style of QBs in the NFL accurate?
Size Does Matter In Some Cases When Playing QB
While the comments by the Bengals QB are mostly true, size matters sometimes with quarterbacks.
Bigger QBs, like Ben Roethlisberger, can take those brutal hits from defensive linemen.
However, these smaller QBs use their size to escape from sacks and hard hits.
But with players who aren’t as mobile anymore, like Brady and Matthew Stafford, those hits are harder to escape.
While Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson can elude defenders, other smaller QBs who are older can’t.
That’s why size will factor into how quarterbacks can withstand taking hard hits.
As we have seen with Tua Tagovailoa, being a little bigger might have helped him when he took hard hits that lead to head injuries.
Don’t have to be that big, but it helps. They don’t get rag dolled and get concussions.
— DA__GR (@DA_GR0) October 13, 2022
However, it seems like the NFL is trending towards the faster and elusive QBs who we now see playing.
The Quarterback Position Is Seemingly About Speed Now
Quarterbacks from past generations are becoming obsolete.
Few NFL quarterbacks fit the 6′ 5″, 250 pound model Burrow was talking about.
It’s all about a running QB, as we see with Jackson and Mahomes.
However, they aren’t the only QBs rushing the ball this season in the NFL.
Players like Jalen Hurts are showing how the league is trending to faster QB play.
Fans are watching and waiting for quarterbacks to make these long rushing plays from broken pass plays.
While Mahomes might have started the trend, it’s others who are currently breaking the mold in 2022.
But these quarterbacks give hope to football players who want to become an NFL QB.
No longer do you have to fit the old school mold of being a tall QB with some weight on you.
All you need in this new NFL is a set of wheels and an accurate throwing arm to make a name for yourself.
NEXT: Joe Burrow Names The Fiercest Competitor He's Faced In NFL