Mike North Agrees: Joe Burrow's Baltimore Primetime Gripe Is Valid

James

3 min read

Post on May 28, 2025

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Mike North Agrees: Joe Burrow's Baltimore Primetime Gripe is Valid

Joe Burrow's recent comments about the Bengals' primetime scheduling, specifically the lack of them compared to other teams like the Baltimore Ravens, have sparked a fiery debate across the NFL landscape. But one voice, surprisingly, stands firmly in the quarterback's corner: Chicago sports radio legend Mike North. His unexpected agreement adds fuel to the already raging fire, questioning the fairness and potential biases within the NFL's scheduling process.

Burrow's Valid Concerns: A Lack of National Spotlight

The Bengals' star quarterback voiced his frustration after the NFL released its 2023 schedule, highlighting the disparity in primetime games between Cincinnati and their AFC North rivals. While the Ravens boast a hefty primetime schedule, showcasing Lamar Jackson and their consistently strong team, the Bengals, despite their recent playoff success and captivating offense, seem to be relegated to a less prominent national stage. Burrow's argument centers on the idea that the NFL's scheduling decisions influence national perception and, consequently, player recognition and potential sponsorship opportunities.

This isn't just about viewership numbers; it's about fair representation and the potential impact on team branding and individual player value. The Bengals, with their young, exciting roster and a quarterback considered by many to be a future Hall of Famer, arguably deserve a greater share of the primetime spotlight. Burrow's comments are not just a personal gripe; they highlight a wider concern about potential inconsistencies in the NFL's scheduling algorithm.

Mike North's Unexpected Alliance: A Voice of Reason?

Known for his outspoken opinions and passionate defense of Chicago sports teams, Mike North's agreement with Burrow's assessment is unexpected, yet compelling. North, in his recent radio show, argued that the NFL's scheduling often favors established franchises and market size, potentially overlooking deserving teams with compelling storylines. He posited that the Bengals, having overcome years of mediocrity and now consistently competing at the highest level, deserve more primetime exposure to showcase their talent to a wider audience.

North's perspective, while coming from a Chicago-centric viewpoint, provides a valuable external perspective on the issue. He suggests that the NFL's scheduling process may lack transparency and objectivity, potentially leading to unfair allocation of primetime slots. This isn't about favoring one team over another; it's about ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of opportunities for all teams, especially those consistently demonstrating on-field success.

The NFL's Response and the Future of Scheduling

The NFL has yet to directly address Burrow’s comments publicly. However, the debate surrounding primetime scheduling raises important questions about transparency and fairness within the league's decision-making processes. Will the NFL adjust its algorithm for future scheduling decisions to better reflect on-field performance and the captivating narratives developing around emerging teams? Or will the status quo prevail, potentially impacting the growth and national exposure of teams like the Bengals?

This ongoing discussion underscores the need for more openness and clarity in how the NFL determines its primetime schedule. Only time will tell if Burrow's outspokenness, and the unexpected support from figures like Mike North, will lead to meaningful changes in the future. The debate is far from over, and the eyes of the NFL world will be watching closely.

What are your thoughts on Joe Burrow's comments and Mike North's agreement? Share your opinions in the comments below!