Fans feared Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was a 'broken man' after have a disastrous first half performance contributed to his side's 20-17 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys.
A game-winning 50-yard field won the match for the Cowboys, but many fans targeted Bengals quarterback Burrow for criticism. Burrow suffered six 'sacks' in the NFL match - when a quarterback is tackled by a defensive player while looking to make a pass, resulting in his side losing ground and shifting momentum to the opposition.
Burrow, aged 25, helped the Cowboys to the Super Bowl last season - scoring a touchdown in their 23-20 by the Las Angeles Rams, but has had a poor start to this campaign.
In his rookie year Burrow suffered a season-ending injury tearing his ACL and MCL in his left knee sustained during a sack. For reaching the Super Bowl in his second NFL year Burrow was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the year and was NFL completion percentage leader.
However, this season has started badly for the quarterback and was sacked seven times in their opening 23-20 overtime loss to Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fans fear that Burrow will sustain another injury after being sacked 13 times in the opening two matches. While one fan posted a pitcher of the quarterback joking: "The look of a broken man," alongside a picture with the caption: "He's thinking about retiring I'm telling you."
After the 20-17 defeat to Dallas Cowboys the quarterback admitted he needed to look after the ball better.
He said: "It was not my best and I'd obviously like to take care of the ball better. As bad as I played in the first half I thought I battled in the second half and put us into a position to win the game.
"I was proud of that, but obviously I've got to start stronger. It's just taking what the defence gives me and not forcing it."
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He was also questioned about what was going through his head while the television cameras pictured him staring.
He replied: "I do that every game. I didn't let any of the turnovers phase me I think that showed with the comeback in the second half.
"I've got to play better for us to win, but it is what it is at this point. Interceptions are going to happen. You try and limit them the best you can but you've got to move on."
