Joe Burrow can make John Ross a star

In case we’ve forgotten, John Ross started out last year with a bang. He had 22 receptions, for 270 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games of the season, including an electric 158-yard, two-score performance in a close contest vs. the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener.

But even when he was soaring, there were times when he simply wasn’t on the same page with former quarterback Andy Dalton. And, of course, he again got injured.

In comes Joe Burrow, an improvisation extraordinaire, leader, and overall accurate QB who can make every throw. Combine that with Ross’ new dedication to his body and preventing injury, and he is primed to be the NFL’s next breakout star.

Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien tells us that Burrow will be able to better get the ball to Ross on broken plays and deeper throws. But the rookie will also provided Ross with much needed confidence. Rapien describes the signal caller’s confidence as “contagious” and reports that Ross experienced it firsthand and immediately knew he was a guy who others could follow.

While the speedster knows he has the talent to be a prolific receiver, the reassurance and calm of a player like Burrow can help Ross get settled, avoid getting in his own head, and bounce back from bad plays immediately.