Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow Shines in Preseason Return Against Tampa Bay

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow made a triumphant return to the field in his first game action in nearly nine months, leading the Cincinnati Bengals on a 73-yard drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Burrow, the franchise quarterback, connected with Tee Higgins for a touchdown before exiting the game, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming season. Despite the Bengals falling to the Buccaneers 17-14, Burrow's performance was a positive sign for the team. Burrow's drive was marked by precision, with his first and last passes going to Higgins, who was one of the few starters on the field. The highlight came on a second-and-goal play from the Tampa Bay 10-yard line, where Burrow found Higgins, who evaded a defender to score. Reflecting on his return, Burrow acknowledged the need for improvement but expressed satisfaction with being back in action. The game also featured Tampa Bay's fourth-round pick, Bucky Irving, who contributed with a 5-yard touchdown run. However, the overall performance was marred by sloppiness, indicating areas that need refinement as both teams prepare for the regular season. Looking ahead, the Bengals will face the Chicago Bears next Saturday, while the Buccaneers remain optimistic about quarterback Baker Mayfield's potential after securing a lucrative new contract following a successful season.