Bengals QB Joe Burrow breaks down past success against Chiefs: 'I think we're built to beat them'

In contrast to the past two years, the Chiefs’ pursuit of the Super Bowl last season did not involve a playoff clash with the Bengals.

Perhaps they were better off, even after dethroning Cincinnati in the 2022 season’s AFC Championship Game, given Joe Burrow‘s 3-1 all-time record against Kansas City.

Speaking this week during the New Heights‘ live podcast, Burrow broke down why he’s had success against K.C. where others have not, looking back fondly at the battles between two of the AFC’s recent behemoths.

“I think we both work really hard. They have great players, we have great players,” Burrow told Jason and Travis Kelce, per the Bengals’ website. “I think we match up pretty well with them. I think we’re built to beat them. I always appreciate the legendary battles we have. Guys are out there always making plays. Patrick (Mahomes) is always out there making plays. Both teams have big-time defensive lines. It’s a great matchup.”

Burrow’s remarks were undeniably complimentary, however, the assertion nestled within the rest of his response is what will spark controversy.

The Bengals have demonstrated their prowess, possibly even being constructed, to defeat the Chiefs in the past, beginning with a victory in the 2021 regular season. This win was followed up shortly after with a triumph in the AFC Championship Game. Cincy managed to beat Kansas City a third time in a row during the 2022 regular season. However, Kelce and his team eventually had their payback in the subsequent playoffs, advancing to their first of two consecutive Super Bowls.

With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals certainly have the edge at wide receiver in order to keep pace with Mahomes’ often otherworldly output. Plus, even with Burrow sidelined versus the Chiefs in Week 17 due to a wrist injury last season, Cincy at one point held a 10-point lead before going on to lose a one-possession game thanks to Harrison Butker‘s field-goal kicking extravaganza. (He nailed six to put up 18 unanswered points.)

Nevertheless, in a league that emphasizes recent achievements, the Chiefs have undeniable proof of their accomplishments.

There’s no question that the previous clashes between Burrow and Mahomes have reached legendary status. All four of their direct confrontations have been decided by a mere three points, with two instances determining a Super Bowl berth. However, the Chiefs claimed victory in the most recent encounter, seizing a Lombardi trophy in the process.

They are currently aiming for a three-peat, whereas the Bengals are recovering from a disappointing 9-8 season that didn’t live up to its potential, primarily because of injuries.

Burrow knows he has to stay healthy in order to give his team a chance to return to form in 2024, a campaign that will include another regular-season matchup with the Chiefs.

Maybe that game will act as a precursor to another iconic playoff face-off, in which Burrow could assess whether this version of the Bengals is still constructed to defeat the champions.