Mike North Agrees: Joe Burrow's Baltimore Primetime Complaint Is Justified

James

3 min read

Post on May 28, 2025

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Mike North Agrees: Joe Burrow's Baltimore Primetime Complaint is Justified

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's recent comments about the lack of primetime games in Cincinnati have ignited a firestorm of debate among NFL fans and analysts alike. But one voice, surprisingly, stands firmly in Burrow's corner: Chicago sports radio legend Mike North.

Burrow's frustration is understandable. While the Bengals are a consistently competitive team, boasting a young, exciting roster and a burgeoning fanbase, they haven't received the primetime spotlight afforded to other franchises with similar records. This perceived slight has led to discussions about the NFL's scheduling practices and the potential biases involved.

The Case for Burrow: More Than Just Primetime

North, known for his outspoken opinions and deep knowledge of sports, recently weighed in on the controversy, echoing Burrow's sentiments. His argument goes beyond simple jealousy or a desire for more national attention. He argues that the lack of primetime games for the Bengals undervalues the team's growing popularity and the passionate Cincinnati fanbase.

"It's not just about the players wanting the spotlight," North stated on his show. "It's about recognizing the dedication of the fans and the team's consistent performance. The Bengals have earned their place among the league's elite, and the scheduling should reflect that."

North's perspective highlights several key points often overlooked in this debate:

• Underselling the Cincinnati Market: Cincinnati is a significant media market, and the Bengals' games consistently draw strong ratings. Denying them more primetime slots undervalues this market's potential for revenue and viewership.
• Impact on Fan Engagement: Primetime games significantly boost fan engagement, creating a more electrifying atmosphere and attracting a wider audience to the sport. The lack of these games hurts both the team and the league.
• Fairness and Equity: The NFL's scheduling process needs to be transparent and fair. If the Bengals' performance warrants more primetime appearances, they should receive them, regardless of perceived market size or team history.

The NFL's Response and Potential Solutions

The NFL hasn't directly addressed Burrow's comments, but the debate highlights a larger issue within the league's scheduling practices. Potential solutions include:

• More data-driven scheduling: Using viewership data and team performance metrics to create a fairer and more equitable schedule.
• Greater transparency: Making the scheduling process more transparent to ensure accountability and address potential biases.
• Increased flexibility: Allowing for more flexibility in scheduling to account for unexpected team performance throughout the season.

Conclusion: A Fair Point, Well Made

Mike North's support for Joe Burrow underscores a crucial point: the Bengals' lack of primetime games isn't just a matter of personal preference; it's about fair representation, recognizing the team's merit, and acknowledging the dedication of their passionate fanbase. The ongoing debate should prompt the NFL to re-evaluate its scheduling practices and ensure a more equitable distribution of primetime slots. The Bengals, and their fans, deserve their share of the spotlight. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!