Is it just me, or is Joe Burrow playing angry? There seems to be a defiance in the quarterback’s late-season surge — as there was when he spoke candidly earlier this season about his need to play perfectly for the Bengals (7-8) to have any chance to win or now when he details the team’s need to retain top wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Burrow’s Bengals have won three in a row while he keeps on playing at perhaps the highest level of his career to date. During this, the defense has enjoyed a mini-resurgence, in part due to easy opponents and in part due to the coaches changing things up.

If it was up to Joe Burrow’s teammates, his gift to them may have been a little bit different than the authentic Japanese Katana swords he gave them.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow explained Sunday why he opted to give his offensive linemen samurai swords as a Christmas gift.

The Bengals still have a tiny shot at the playoffs, but this season was lost before it began due to poor roster-building miscues. Most recently, despite a win, Burrow was seen in a heated sideline exchange with head coach Zac Taylor.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow surprised his offensive linemen with an unusual gift, presenting each of them with an authentic Katana sword from Japan. However, in discussing his choice, he seemed to take a pretty firm stance on guns.

Joe Burrow continues to prove he’s not just a leader on the field but a symbol of gratitude and creativity off it. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback surprised his offensive linemen with samurai swords for Christmas,