Patrick Mahomes has surely proven himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL over the last five seasons, leading a crop of several young signal-callers that have seemingly taken over the league in recent years. That group certainly includes Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow as well, setting the stage for another matchup between two of the NFL's best on Sunday afternoon.
Each of these quarterbacks – who have combined to lead their teams to 38 victories over the last two seasons – has respect for the other's style of play.
"I have a ton of respect for Joe," said Mahomes. "I mean, he is a great football player, but he's also a competitor. Those are the guys who win in this league – the guys who compete."
The last time these two great quarterbacks faced off against one another was in last year's AFC Championship Game, which featured a relentless Bengals' comeback that ultimately ended Kansas City's season. Only one team could hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy in the end, but both Mahomes and Burrow left their mark on the game.
Mahomes ended the AFC Championship Game with 26 completions, 275 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Burrow, meanwhile, completed 23 passes for 250 yards and two scoring strikes. Both players battled until the end of the game while showing off their generational talents.
This upcoming matchup may not be a playoff game – it's only Week 13 – but there's no reason to expect anything different in what promises to be another great showdown between two very skilled quarterbacks. Mahomes and Burrow each echoed as much over the past week while also discussing the respect that they have for one another.
"He's the best [quarterback] right now," said Burrow. "He's been playing the best all year. It's fun to watch him play – he wins in a lot of different ways. There really hasn't been a lot of people like him come through the game."
This will mark the third matchup between Mahomes and Burrow, as they clashed once in the regular season last year before meeting in the AFC Championship Game. Burrow came out on top in both games, but Mahomes is seeking a different result on Sunday.
"He's beaten me twice," said Mahomes on Jason and Travis Kelce's podcast New Heights. "I haven't beaten him at all – he's one of the only guys who I think I haven't beaten. He came back in both games and beat me, so I have a ton of respect for him because they fight until the end."
These two amazing quarterbacks are sure to put on a show each and every time they face each other. It's safe to say that they will face off countless more times as their careers progress, and each game will definitely be one to watch. The NFL is clearly in good hands at the quarterback position for years to come, but for now, both Mahomes and Burrow have their collective focus on this particular game.
"I just try to go out there and win the week," Mahomes said. "I know he does the same."
