Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the quiet intensity of Cincinnati Bengals practices, where every rep matters and preparation meets precision, Joe Burrow’s arm strength has become a daily spectacle. Far from the chaos of game days, the Bengals’ quarterback showcases a blend of power and control that often leaves teammates, coaches, and even opposing scouts nodding in admiration. While Burrow is widely celebrated for his poise in the pocket and ability to read defenses, it’s his arm—capable of launching 60-yard passes with pinpoint accuracy and threading tight windows in traffic—that has become a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offensive identity. This isn’t just raw power; it’s a refined skill honed through countless reps, offseason workouts, and a relentless focus on improving. Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the moments that highlight this strength, the impact it has on practice dynamics, and how it lays the groundwork for game-day success.

Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with a staple of Bengals training: the “deep ball drill,” where Burrow lines up at the 30-yard line and targets receivers sprinting downfield to the end zone. On a recent Wednesday practice, with the sun glinting off the turf at Paycor Stadium’s indoor facility, Burrow stepped back, planted his feet, and unleashed a pass to Ja’Marr Chase, who was streaking past cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. The ball traveled 55 yards in the air, arcing perfectly over Taylor-Britt’s outstretched hands and landing softly in Chase’s waiting arms—all in under 2.5 seconds. It was a throw that defied physics, blending velocity (clocked at 58 mph by practice radar) with precision, and it drew an audible cheer from the Bengals’ sideline. “That’s the kind of throw that makes you stop and watch,” said wide receiver Tee Higgins, who often faces off against Burrow in one-on-one drills. “In practice, he does it every day—throws that other quarterbacks can’t even attempt, let alone complete. It’s not just strength; it’s control. He knows exactly how much force to put behind it, even when he’s throwing deep.”

Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to another drill that highlights his versatility: the “tight-window drill,” where receivers run routes into coverage, forcing Burrow to fit passes into gaps no wider than a football. During a recent red-zone session, Burrow faced a stacked defense—two linebackers dropping into the end zone and a safety lurking over the middle. With tight end Irv Smith Jr. cutting across the goal line, Burrow delivered a sidearm pass that squeezed between linebacker Logan Wilson and safety Jessie Bates III, hitting Smith in the chest for a touchdown. The throw covered just 8 yards, but it required every ounce of Burrow’s arm strength to zip through the narrow opening before the defense could react. Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who watches every rep closely, noted how rare such precision is. “Most quarterbacks would shy away from that throw in practice, let alone a game,” Callahan said. “But Joe? He seeks those moments. He wants to challenge himself, to push the limits of what his arm can do. That’s the mindset of a guy who doesn’t want to just be good—he wants to be elite. And in practice, he proves that every day.”

Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how this daily excellence impacts the entire Bengals team, creating a culture of confidence and ambition. For the Cincinnati Bengals’ receivers, practicing with Burrow’s arm means they never have to slow down or adjust their routes to compensate for a lack of power. Chase, in particular, has grown accustomed to running “go routes” that stretch defenses, knowing Burrow can reach him even if he’s double-covered. “In practice, I’ll run as fast as I can, and I never worry if he’ll get the ball to me,” Chase said. “He makes us better because he forces us to raise our game—we have to be ready to catch those deep passes, to be in the right spot at the right time. It’s a partnership, and his arm strength is the foundation of it.” This confidence spills over to the offensive line, too. Linemen know that if they can give Burrow even 2.5 seconds in the pocket, he can make a play that changes the momentum of a drive. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow’s practice reps aren’t just about individual skill—they’re about building trust across the entire offense.

Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the work behind the strength: Burrow’s offseason training regimen, which focuses on building arm durability and power without sacrificing control. Each winter, Burrow works with renowned quarterback trainer Tom House, who has helped refine the mechanics of NFL stars like Tom Brady and Drew Brees. The workouts include resistance band drills to build forearm and shoulder strength, weighted ball throws to improve velocity, and film study to perfect his release point. By the time training camp rolls around, Burrow’s arm is in peak condition—something that’s immediately evident in practice. “He doesn’t just show up in July ready to go,” said Bengals head strength and conditioning coach Joey Boese. “He puts in the work in January, February, March—months when most players are resting. That’s why his arm strength is so consistent in practice; it’s not a fluke. It’s the result of intentional, relentless training.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this dedication is a model for the entire team. Rookies and veterans alike watch Burrow’s commitment to improving his arm strength and follow suit, creating a culture where excellence is expected, not just hoped for.

Joe Burrow's Arm Strength Shines in Practice for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with how these practice moments translate to game-day success—and why they matter beyond the stats. While Burrow’s 2024 season stats (3,400 passing yards, 26 touchdowns) speak to his effectiveness, it’s the plays that start in practice that often define wins. The 50-yard touchdown pass to Chase in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons? It was a rep they’d run 20 times in practice that week. The game-winning pass to Higgins in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, a tight-window throw over two defenders? Burrow had nailed the same throw in a drill three days earlier. For the Cincinnati Bengals, practice isn’t just preparation—it’s where game-winning plays are born. “Joe’s arm strength in practice gives us a competitive edge,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “When we go into a game, we know he can make any throw, because we’ve seen him do it over and over again in practice. That confidence is invaluable. It lets our offense be aggressive, to take shots downfield, to keep defenses guessing. And it all starts with the work he puts in every day.” As Burrow continues to refine his craft in practice, one thing is clear: his arm strength isn’t just a skill—it’s a weapon, one that the Bengals will rely on as they chase another Super Bowl run. And for fans, watching it shine in practice is a preview of the magic to come on Sundays.