Bengals HC Celebrates Joe Burrow: 'It's Just Unbelievable the Way His Brain Works'

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised quarterback Joe Burrow's pre-snap awareness after checking to a different play in overtime of the team's 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.

"[Burrow's] awareness to get to a play like that just shows his next-level thinking," Taylor said, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "It's just unbelievable that a play we don't rep, it's for one look only, he got the look in the most critical point in the season and checked to it. … It's just unbelievable the way his brain works."

With two minutes remaining in overtime and the ball at Denver's 47-yard line, Burrow pitched the ball to running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert picked up 13 yards, moving the chains and helping set Cincinnati up for the game-winning touchdown.

"The season's on the line—we're putting the ball in his hands," Taylor explained, per Breer. "He checked to a speed option. I think we walked through that play one time. And he checked to the speed option in overtime, versus a double-A look. We talked about it, but he got to it to Khalil Herbert, who's had how many carries? Maybe 10 on the season."

Burrow wrapped up an impressive performance against the Broncos' fifth-ranked scoring defense, finishing 39-of-49 for 412 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also picked up 25 yards and a fourth score on the ground.

His performance was crucial for Cincinnati, as a loss would have eliminated the team from playoff contention.

Despite the Bengals' 8-8 record, Burrow is in the midst of a career year. He's completed 69.8 percent of his throws, while his 4,641 yards and 42 touchdowns through the air both represent the highest totals in the league.

He's also been picked off just eight times.

Cincinnati will need some help to earn a playoff spot in Week 18. The Bengals must defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and also need losses from the Broncos as well as the Miami Dolphins.

A postseason berth may still be difficult to achieve, but Burrow kept Cincinnati's season alive with a stellar showing on Saturday.