Can the Pittsburgh Steelers exploit Joe Burrow’s cold-weather wrist concerns?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been playing at a remarkably high level this season, even as the Bengals struggle with a 4-7 record. Despite their team’s lackluster performance, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has even called Burrow’s play “MVP-level.” However, Burrow recently raised a concerning issue that could have an impact on both his performance and the Bengals’ chances in their upcoming matchup against the Steelers: his wrist injury.

Burrow’s Cold-Weather Challenge

Last season, a wrist injury cut Burrow’s year short, and it’s been a lingering concern since. The quarterback hasn’t had to contend with cold temperatures in the months since his recovery. This Sunday’s game in Cincinnati is expected to be chilly, with temperatures hovering just above freezing. To make matters worse, the wind off the Ohio River could make it feel even colder.

During a press conference earlier this week, Burrow was asked about how the cold might affect his wrist. His response was far from reassuring. “That’s a question that remains to be answered,” Burrow admitted. “I haven’t experienced a cold-weather game with that yet. In the past, when I’ve had injuries, cold weather does affect it, so we’ll find out.”

It’s not just Burrow’s words that raise alarms; his experience in practice this week was far from ideal. He described his first practice in the cold as something that “could have gone better.” The pain in his wrist is something to watch as the game approaches, with Burrow himself unsure of how much it will flare up.

Could the Steelers Capitalize?

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this could be an opportunity to exploit a potential weakness in Burrow’s game. Despite the wrist issue, Burrow is still one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His connection with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remains electric and remains one of the most potent duos in the NFL. With his wrist injury a question mark, though, the Steelers have a window to make life difficult for Burrow.

If his wrist is more of a problem in the cold, the Steelers’ defense could look to test him early and often. They’ll need to ensure that Burrow is forced to make quick throws and won’t have the luxury of holding the ball in colder conditions. They’ll likely look for ways to keep the pressure high and force Burrow to throw from uncomfortable positions.

What’s Next for Burrow?

In the end, Burrow’s ability to perform in cold conditions is still very much up in the air. He may need extra precautions, like a heater on the sideline, to ensure his wrist stays warm and loose. That said, it’s a given that the Steelers won’t expect any drop-off in his play, even if his wrist is a bit of a question mark. Burrow has proven time and again that he can still deliver when it counts, so the Steelers will have to be on top of their game to slow him down.

While Burrow may have a few extra challenges this Sunday, there’s no doubt that he’ll still pose a serious threat to the Steelers. The key question is whether the cold will hinder him enough for the Steelers to take advantage of this unique situation. As for Burrow, it’s clear he’ll be doing everything in his power to stay warm and prove that his wrist, cold weather and all, won’t stop him from delivering another top-tier performance.