Imagine having such an abundance of talent at your disposal that coaching almost feels like an afterthought. That's exactly what Joe Brady experienced while guiding Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase at LSU. In a recent interview on the Fitz & Whit podcast, Brady made a jaw-dropping admission: he could have called plays with his eyes closed during the 2019 season, thanks to the unparalleled skill of Burrow, Chase, and Justin Jefferson. But here's where it gets controversial—Brady jokingly wondered if their success might make him look like a better coach than he actually is. 'It's like one of those things where you think, maybe it’s better if they weren’t NFL stars, so I could take more credit,' he quipped. Bold statement, right? Yet, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Burrow and Chase are now among the highest-paid players in NFL history, a testament to their raw talent.
But let’s not dismiss Brady’s role entirely. While Burrow and Chase undoubtedly carried the team, Brady’s coaching was instrumental in their development. The Bengals stars themselves have sung his praises. 'Joe and I go way back,' Burrow reflected in December. 'He was great for my career. We did some incredible things together, and I’m grateful for our relationship.' Burrow even credited Brady for preparing him for the NFL by introducing complex concepts that emphasized quick decision-making and precision—skills that have become his trademark.
Chase echoed similar sentiments, revealing how Brady broke down the game in a way that made it accessible and actionable. 'He taught me a lot about offense, defenses, and concepts,' Chase admitted. 'It really helped me understand the game at a deeper level.' And this is the part most people miss—Brady’s ability to simplify complexity was a game-changer for these future NFL stars.
Together, Brady, Burrow, and Chase achieved the unthinkable: an undefeated national championship season that cemented LSU’s place in college football history. Burrow’s Heisman-winning campaign—5,671 passing yards, 65 touchdowns, and just six interceptions—was nothing short of legendary. But here’s the thought-provoking question: Was it the players’ talent or Brady’s coaching that made the bigger difference? Let’s spark some debate—do you think Brady’s role has been overstated, or was he the secret weapon behind their success? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For a deeper dive into this dynamic trio and their impact on the Bengals, check out the full clip of Brady’s interview below. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more insights. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon for all your Bengals talk!
