Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) adjusts wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) on the line before a play in the second quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals QB Joe Burrow says this Cincy teammate deserves more attention

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 12/12/22

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow wants people around the league to pay more attention to one of the team's standout defenders.

Burrow went out of his way to mention defensive tackle D.J. Reader during Sunday's postgame press conference.

Joe Burrow says it’s about time the rest of the NFL notices DJ Reader. pic.twitter.com/OcUzEPkElF
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 11, 2022

His game on Sunday earned him plenty of praise for how effective he was against the Cleveland Browns.

DJ Reader was an absolute soul crusher yesterday in the #Bengals win.

91.4 PFF Defense Grade
90.2 PFF Run Defense Grade
78.9 PFF Pass Rush Grade
5 Defensive Stops
5 Tackles
1 Pressure, 1 QB Hit
1 Batted Pass
Held Nick Chubb to 34 yards

What a beast! pic.twitter.com/kPmcE2LyV1
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 12, 2022

After signing a four-year, $53 million deal with Cincinnati in 2020, the former Texan has turned into a problem for opposing offenses.

While he hasn't played the full season, Reader has 19 tackles on the stat sheet through seven starts. He also has an eye-opening four passes defended.

Reader isn't known for piling up sacks, but his aggressive play is helping Cincinnati's defense keep pace with its prolific offense.

His run defense is causing plenty of issues for league running backs.

DJ Reader ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/LiPzNXBGnm
— Bengalorian (@thebengalorian) December 12, 2022

Reader didn't want the attention on him after his big Sunday. He pointed to the possibility Cincinnati could push for the AFC's top playoff spot.

DJ Reader doesn't care about accolades just Bengals wins and fighting for No. 1 seed pic.twitter.com/8GIOFROKl2
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 11, 2022

If Reader won't pat his own back, at least Burrow will be there to do it for him.

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