Joe Burrow targets Drew Brees’ 74.4% mark, but the bigger focus is the White Bengal Game vs. the Steelers

Joe Burrow said he is aiming to break Drew Brees’ single-season completion percentage record of 74.4%, after pointing to his own 2026 efficiency as he works toward his first NFL passing title.

Burrow told reporters Wednesday at Paycor Stadium that he has not missed in his last 11 quarters and that he is coming in with a 77.0 completion percentage on 95 passes. With that form, he is leading the NFL at 74.0% and understands what it would take to top Brees.

The statistical chase is running alongside a standings moment for Cincinnati. Burrow emphasized that the immediate objective is a win in the Bengals’ Sunday night “White Bengal Game” at home, where the Bengals enter with a 6-2 first-place tie with the Steelers in the AFC North.

Burrow also leaned into the prime-time stakes and the environment at Paycor, describing the crowd noise as a key factor in how opponents communicate at the line. He framed the matchup as another chance to showcase Cincinnati’s work nationally, after recent spotlight appearances.

On the defensive side, linebacker Barrett Carter discussed the communication challenge created by the home crowd, saying he uses hand indicates when necessary to match coordinator Al Golden’s calls. Golden also credited Carter’s tackling and play in the Bengals’ recent work.