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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Chris Roling

Joe Burrow vs. Justin Herbert gets a verdict from Pro Football Focus

The Joe Burrow vs. Justin Herbert debate continues to gain some steam as the NFL turns toward the second half of the season.

Burrow, after all, just got snubbed on an All-Rookie list at the halfway point for Herbert.

But Pro Football Focus, which grades the Cincinnati Bengals passer out just a nose above the Los Angeles Chargers passer right now, says Burrow is the choice.

Steve Palazzolo explained:

“Joe Burrow’s the guy playing better for what we should expect going forward. Burrow has the No. 3 grade on passes up to 20 yards. That is the more stable number. Herbert’s just 20th…Burrow’s the guy who has more sustainable performance.”

Long story short? While both have impressed, Burrow’s mastering of the middle of the field sets him up for the higher percentage chance of keeping up his current pace. The majority of a quarterback’s throws will come in the middle of the field, so it makes sense.

Which isn’t to say Herbert couldn’t improve in the middle of the field too and keep this thing interesting. But Burrow’s got a better chance of remaining even the rest of the way, which is incredibly impressive given some of the records he’s set and his surrounding circumstances.

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