

Bengals’ QBs Joe Burrow and Jake Browning own the top 2 highest career completion percentage in NFL history
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, accuracy is everything for quarterbacks. While many focus on strong arms and deep throws, the true mark of an elite QB is their ability to consistently complete passes.
As of the 2024 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals hold a remarkable distinction: Joe Burrow and Jake Browning have the two highest career completion percentages in league history, counting both regular and postseason games.
Burrow, the Bengals’ franchise quarterback, has been a model of efficiency since entering the league, while Browning’s rise has shocked analysts and fans alike. This unique situation raises major questions about the Bengals’ future, their quarterback depth, and how this historical efficiency impacts their Super Bowl chances.
Joe Burrow: The Gold Standard for Accuracy
Burrow’s Rise to NFL Stardom
Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Joe Burrow has been the cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense. The former Heisman Trophy winner and LSU national champion brought his elite accuracy from college to the pros.
His career completion percentage sits at 68.6%, making him the most accurate quarterback in NFL history (among those with at least 200 pass attempts). This efficiency is a result of his pinpoint accuracy, pocket presence, and decision-making.
How Burrow’s Accuracy Impacts the Bengals’ Offense
The Bengals have built their offense around Burrow’s skill set, maximizing short, high percentage throws to move the chains.
High Efficiency on Third Downs
Burrow’s ability to deliver quick, precise passes makes Cincinnati one of the best third-down teams in the NFL. His 68.6% career completion rate allows the Bengals to sustain drives and keep the defense fresh.
Reducing Turnovers
A high completion percentage directly correlates with fewer interceptions. Burrow isn’t just accurate—he’s also careful with the football, rarely forcing passes into tight windows.
Enhancing Yards After Catch (YAC)
By consistently hitting receivers in stride, Burrow helps them gain more yards after the catch. Players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd benefit tremendously from his ability to deliver perfect throws.
Jake Browning: The Bengals’ Unexpected Superstar
From Undrafted to NFL History
Jake Browning’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After a record-breaking college career at Washington, he went undrafted in 2019 and bounced between practice squads.
Everything changed in 2023 when Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury, forcing Browning into the starting role.
He exceeded all expectations, completing a stunning 70.4% of his passes and proving he could lead an NFL-caliber offense.
The Game That Changed Everything: Browning’s Breakout Performance
On December 4, 2023, the Bengals faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in a crucial late-season matchup. With their playoff hopes on the line, Browning delivered an all-time great performance:
- 32 of 37 completions (86.5%)
- 354 passing yards
- One passing touchdown
- Game-winning overtime drive
This game set an NFL record for the highest single-game completion percentage by a QB making his first or second career start. The stunning accuracy earned Browning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and cemented his place in Bengals history.
What Makes Browning So Accurate?
While he doesn’t have the arm strength of Burrow, Browning excels in several key areas:
- Quick decision-making: He processes defenses rapidly, avoiding unnecessary risks.
- Short-area accuracy: Nearly all of his passes are right on target.
- Excellent footwork: His ability to reset in the pocket allows for consistent mechanics.
How Browning’s Success Creates a Bengals Quarterback Controversy
Although Burrow is the franchise quarterback, Browning’s elite efficiency has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
- Should Cincinnati trade Browning to a QB-needy team for draft picks?
- Could Browning serve as the NFL’s best backup quarterback, ensuring the Bengals stay competitive even if Burrow gets hurt?
- Is there a quarterback competition brewing in Cincinnati?
For now, the Bengals are lucky to have two historically accurate QBs, giving them unmatched depth at the position.
Where do Burrow and Browning rank among the NFL’s most accurate quarterbacks?
As of 2024, here’s how they stack up against other all-time completion percentage leaders:
Rank | Quarterback | Completion Percentage |
---|---|---|
1 | Jake Browning (CIN) | 70.4% |
2 | Joe Burrow (CIN) | 68.6% |
3 | Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) | 68.1% |
4 | Drew Brees (NO) | 67.7% |
5 | Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) | 67.4% |
This is a historic moment for the Bengals, as they hold the top two spots in a critical quarterback statistic.
How Zac Taylor’s Coaching Plays a Role
One major reason for Burrow and Browning’s accuracy dominance is Zac Taylor’s offensive system.
Taylor’s Coaching Strategies That Boost Completion Percentage
- Quick, high-percentage passing plays: The Bengals rely heavily on short throws, improving efficiency.
- Designed rollouts and play-action: These plays allow QBs to throw to open targets.
- A strong receiving corps—Burrow and Browning benefit from elite weapons like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
Taylor has built a quarterback-friendly system, allowing both passers to thrive under pressure.
How Will This Impact the Bengals’ Super Bowl Chances?
With two historically accurate quarterbacks, the Bengals’ future looks incredibly bright.
Three Key Ways That Help Their Super Bowl Aspirations
-
QB Depth = Playoff Security
- Even if Burrow gets hurt, the Bengals can still compete at a high level with Browning.
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Efficiency Leads to More Wins
- Accurate passing keeps the offense on the field, leading to longer drives and more scoring opportunities.
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Defenses Struggle to Stop Short-Passing Attacks
- Opponents can’t blitz aggressively because the Bengals’ offense is built on quick, efficient passes.
With a loaded roster, elite coaching, and record-breaking quarterback efficiency, Cincinnati is a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2024 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals’ quarterback situation is unprecedented in NFL history. With Joe Burrow (68.6%) and Jake Browning (70.4%) leading the league in completion percentage, Cincinnati has an unstoppable offensive foundation.
- Burrow remains the franchise leader, but Browning has emerged as a legitimate starter.
- Zac Taylor’s offensive scheme has maximized efficiency, allowing both QBs to set records.
- Cincinnati’s Super Bowl chances look stronger than ever with this historically accurate duo.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Burrow, Browning, and the Bengals as they continue to make history!