‘I still believe Joe Burrow is better than Patrick Mahomes.’ — Skip unveils his early SBLIX pick

**”I Still Believe Joe Burrow is Better Than Patrick Mahomes” — Skip Unveils His Early SBLIX Pick**

In the world of sports commentary, few personalities are as polarizing as Skip Bayless. Known for his bold opinions, unrelenting takes, and occasionally controversial statements, Bayless has been a fixture on sports talk television for decades. His commentary on the NFL, particularly when it comes to quarterbacks, is always closely watched, often sparking debates across the sports world. Recently, Bayless stirred the pot yet again with his bold proclamation that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is a better player than Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar Patrick Mahomes.

With the Super Bowl LVIII (SBLIX) rapidly approaching, Skip Bayless revealed his early pick for the big game, and his reasoning has sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape. In this piece, we’ll break down Bayless’s statement, explore the key reasons behind his choice, and analyze how his early Super Bowl prediction might influence the conversation leading up to the highly anticipated matchup.

### Skip Bayless and His Bold Take on Joe Burrow vs. Patrick Mahomes

During a segment on *Undisputed*, Bayless made his Super Bowl prediction and shared his reasoning for choosing Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes as the better quarterback. The headline quote, *“I still believe Joe Burrow is better than Patrick Mahomes,”* immediately sparked a firestorm of reactions, ranging from agreement to outright disbelief.

Bayless’s statement wasn’t just an off-the-cuff remark—it was part of a larger discussion about who the “better quarterback” is between Burrow and Mahomes. As the NFL has evolved, the quarterback position has come to symbolize not just a player’s talent but also their leadership, ability to win games, and the impact they have on their team’s success. For Bayless, Burrow’s cool demeanor, his clutch performances in big games, and his rapid ascent in the NFL have been enough to convince him that Burrow edges out Mahomes as the better overall player—at least in his eyes.

However, Bayless’s take comes with its own set of complexities, given Mahomes’ already legendary status. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, winning two championships and securing an MVP award in the process. His ability to improvise, extend plays, and make seemingly impossible throws has made him the face of modern NFL quarterback play. On the other hand, Joe Burrow, though younger and with less experience than Mahomes, has already made a huge splash in the league. The Cincinnati Bengals’ rise to prominence, including a Super Bowl appearance and multiple deep playoff runs with Burrow under center, has made him a strong contender in any quarterback debate.

### Why Skip Bayless Believes Burrow is Better

To understand Skip Bayless’s logic behind his claim, it’s essential to break down the key aspects of Joe Burrow’s game that he likely finds more appealing than Mahomes’. While Mahomes has consistently been regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history, Burrow’s quick rise and uncanny poise have made him a darling of the sports world.

#### 1. **Joe Burrow’s Clutch Gene**

One of the most significant reasons Skip Bayless might favor Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes is Burrow’s ability to perform in clutch situations. From the moment Burrow entered the NFL, it was clear that he had a special ability to elevate his game in pressure-filled moments. His calmness in the pocket, even when facing overwhelming odds, has become one of his trademarks.

Burrow’s playoff run with the Bengals has further solidified his reputation as a clutch quarterback. In just his second season, he led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl and narrowly missed out on winning the big game. The ability to play with a level of poise and confidence in the most intense moments of the season, including the AFC Championship Game, has made Burrow an incredibly compelling player. Bayless has often praised Burrow’s ability to keep his composure when the stakes are highest, something Mahomes, despite his own success, has occasionally been criticized for in the past—particularly when it comes to the execution of late-game drives or decisions under pressure.

#### 2. **Accuracy and Precision**

Burrow’s accuracy as a passer is another factor that could lead Bayless to argue that he is a more complete quarterback than Mahomes. While Mahomes is widely known for his flashy, off-script plays and arm strength, Burrow has gained a reputation for his precision and consistency. He is an accurate passer with exceptional mechanics, delivering the ball on time and in stride, whether it’s short, medium, or deep passes.

Burrow’s accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, is remarkable. His ability to thread the needle on tight window throws, coupled with his quick decision-making, makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Bayless has often pointed out how Burrow’s methodical approach and his efficiency in the passing game are superior in certain aspects compared to Mahomes’ occasionally chaotic style.

#### 3. **Leadership and Composure**

Another area where Bayless believes Burrow stands out is in his leadership. Burrow’s confidence on and off the field has earned him the nickname “Joe Cool,” a testament to his unflappable nature. His leadership style has transformed the Bengals into perennial contenders in the AFC, a franchise that, prior to his arrival, had long struggled with mediocrity. Burrow’s impact on the Bengals organization is undeniable, as he has turned a team once labeled as “underdogs” into a feared competitor in the NFL.

While Mahomes is also an outstanding leader, Burrow’s ability to inspire those around him in a relatively short time has turned heads. Skip Bayless, who often lauds leadership qualities, may view Burrow’s maturity and consistent demeanor as a key differentiator in favor of Burrow.

### What About Patrick Mahomes?

While Bayless is quick to give Burrow the edge, he does not dismiss Patrick Mahomes lightly. Mahomes’ career achievements are a testament to his greatness. He has already won two MVP awards, two Super Bowls, and has consistently been in the conversation as the NFL’s top quarterback for several years. Mahomes has revolutionized the quarterback position with his extraordinary ability to make plays outside of the pocket, his rocket arm, and his knack for pulling off miraculous throws in critical moments.

One could argue that Mahomes’ talent, particularly his improvisational skills, make him more dangerous than Burrow in many situations. His ability to turn broken plays into touchdowns, or to lead his team from behind in the most dramatic fashion, is unmatched. In contrast, Burrow tends to excel in a more traditional offense, sticking to the game plan and making calculated decisions. Mahomes’ unique style has resulted in jaw-dropping highlights and has often been a key factor in the Chiefs’ success.

### Skip’s Early Super Bowl LVIII Prediction

With the Super Bowl LVIII (SBLIX) on the horizon, Skip Bayless’ early pick for the championship game is also a bold one. By siding with Joe Burrow over Mahomes, Bayless is signaling that he believes the Bengals will be the team to dethrone the Chiefs, at least in this upcoming season. This pick could be seen as a reaction to the Bengals’ continued success in the AFC and Burrow’s ability to lead his team to victory in high-pressure situations.

Bayless’ choice also reflects his long-standing belief in Burrow’s potential to be the next dominant quarterback in the NFL. While Mahomes is a proven champion, Bayless sees Burrow as the one who could carry his team to Super Bowl glory in the near future, especially given Burrow’s seemingly effortless ability to perform when the lights shine brightest.

### Conclusion

Skip Bayless’ assertion that Joe Burrow is better than Patrick Mahomes is a controversial yet thought-provoking statement that highlights the ongoing quarterback debate in the NFL. Bayless’ early pick for the Super Bowl, in which he favors Burrow and the Bengals, serves as a reflection of his confidence in Burrow’s ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory. While Mahomes has firmly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Burrow’s poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities have set him on a path that could one day match, or even surpass, Mahomes’ legacy.

As the NFL season progresses and the playoffs inch closer, Bayless’ bold take will continue to fuel the conversation around these two elite quarterbacks. Whether or not Burrow can prove Bayless right and win a Super Bowl remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Burrow-Mahomes rivalry is one that will shape the NFL for years to come.