Joe Burrow produced one of the strangest and most remarkable quarterback performances of the NFL season Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals star threw for 462 yards and five touchdowns, then rushed for the winning score in overtime as Cincinnati defeated the Tennessee Titans 43-36.
Those numbers would be impressive under ordinary circumstances.
But Burrow also threw three interceptions, all caught by Tennessee safety Amani Hooker. The combination placed Burrow in extraordinarily rare company.
According to the Bengals’ official postgame reporting, Burrow became the first NFL quarterback since Norm Van Brocklin in 1951 to throw for at least 450 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for a score.
Burrow overcame his own mistakes
Cincinnati entered the game as a significant favorite, but Tennessee immediately created problems. The Titans built a 13-0 lead during the first quarter, putting the Bengals in an early hole.
Joe Burrow is the second QB in NFL history with 450 passing yards, 5 pass TD and 1 rush TD in a single game, and first in 75 years! The other was Norm Van Brocklin in 1951, who set the NFL record with 554 passing yards in that game. https://t.co/R7rArOTIXm
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 1, 2026
Burrow responded with touchdown passes, but his interceptions repeatedly gave Tennessee opportunities to remain competitive. Hooker finished with three interceptions, matching a Titans franchise record.
The Bengals eventually took control during stretches of the second half, but Tennessee continued answering.
Cam Ward delivered the first 300-yard passing game of his NFL career, while Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns. With less than four minutes remaining, Tennessee led 36-29.
Burrow needed another response.
Cincinnati’s final two drives changed everything
Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for an 18-yard touchdown with 1:17 remaining, tying the game at 36. The teams went to overtime, where Cincinnati received the opening possession.
The Bengals moved 70 yards in five plays. Burrow finished the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, giving Cincinnati a 43-36 advantage.
Tennessee could not answer.
Higgins finished with 10 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase added 11 catches for 141 yards and a score. The win improved Cincinnati to 5-2.
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A historic performance with a warning attached
Burrow’s numbers were extraordinary, but the quarterback did not ignore the mistakes. Cincinnati committed four turnovers and repeatedly allowed Tennessee to remain in the game. Against stronger opponents, that could become a serious problem.
The Bengals have won three consecutive games and remain in contention near the top of the AFC North. They also have a major international game approaching against Atlanta in Madrid. Sunday demonstrated that Burrow can overcome almost any offensive challenge.
But Cincinnati cannot depend on its quarterback producing six touchdowns every time the team makes costly mistakes. The Bengals escaped with a memorable victory. Their next challenge is winning without making the game quite so difficult.
