In an illustrious NFL career that spanned 11 seasons, Nate Burleson carved out a niche as one of the league's dependable wide receivers. Accumulating a total of 5,630 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns, Burleson left a lasting impression on the field with his skill and consistency.
Burleson's standout year came in 2004, a season he will forever treasure. That year, he broke the 1,000-yard mark, putting him in an elite class of receivers. It was during these years that Burleson caught passes from some of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the NFL, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford. Reflecting on his time with Stafford, Burleson shared, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good."
In his post-NFL career, Burleson continues to share his insights on the current crop of NFL quarterbacks. Burleson, himself a seasoned receiver, offers a unique perspective on the game's evolving dynamics. The Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is frequently in the spotlight. As the reigning Super Bowl MVP, Mahomes is one of the league's elite quarterbacks. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, Burleson has expressed interest in the idea of teaming up with Mahomes: "Definitely," he said.
Burleson on Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, also received praise from Burleson. Burleson emphasized the difficulty defenders have in covering receivers once Jackson scrambles out of the pocket. "If I ran one route and he starts running in the pocket, that DB’s eyes are gonna go directly to the quarterback. It's so hard to stop a receiver running one route, so when we get into scramble route and I spin out of that go route and go deep -- that DB is gonna lose me for a second," Burleson explained. His remark eloquently captures the unique playmaking synergy that Jackson brings to the field.
Joe Burrow, the talented young quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, also caught Burleson's attention. "I like his swag," Burleson remarked succinctly, acknowledging Burrow’s confident and charismatic approach to the game. This brief yet powerful endorsement from a seasoned veteran speaks volumes about Burrow's impact.
Analysing Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins
Shifting gears to the Atlanta Falcons, Burleson shed light on their quarterback situation. Michael Penix Jr., who currently holds the role of backup quarterback, received a noteworthy mention from Burleson. "Throws a pretty, a pretty football. And he's gonna be one of the most accurate quarterbacks. And I've never played with a left-hander," Burleson commented, hinting at Penix's potential to be a significant player in the league.
Not to be overlooked, Kirk Cousins, a veteran quarterback for the Falcons, continues to bring his extensive experience to the team. Although Burleson’s comments didn’t delve deeply into Cousins' performance, his presence in Atlanta adds to a diverse quarterback roster for the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Quarterback Controversy
The quarterback battle in Pittsburgh is another storyline that has captured the league's attention. Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with an impressive 334 career touchdown passes, is vying for the starting job with Justin Fields. Burleson weighed in on this competition, offering high praise for Wilson: "I still think Russell Wilson throws one of the prettiest deep balls. I think he's gonna do great with the Steelers, so I'll go Russ." With such an endorsement, it's clear that Wilson’s skill set and experience are recognized by those who understand the game deeply.
Nate Burleson's career, marked by memorable moments and collaborations with top-tier quarterbacks, makes him an insightful voice in the realm of football analysis. His perspectives on current players provide a valuable lens through which fans and analysts alike can appreciate the nuanced art of quarterbacking and receiving in the NFL.