CINCINNATI -- An ailing pinkie finger on his throwing hand isn't the only thing eating at Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
During his Wednesday news conference, Burrow expressed unhappiness with the number of interceptions he has thrown this season. The second-year quarterback leads the NFL with 14.
"That's been something I have been disappointed in this year as far as ones that I can control," Burrow said. "Too many in my opinion."
Last weekend's 41-22 loss to the Chargers exemplified Burrow's issues with interceptions. A potential touchdown throw in the first quarter ended up being a turnover when wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase bobbled a pass that was ultimately picked off.
But Burrow took the blame for the second interception, an end zone throw for tight end C.J. Uzomah that instead went to Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
"I was just trying to force it, trying to make a play," Burrow said after the game. "He [Harris] made a good play."
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Burrow ranks third-highest in interceptions per attempt at 3.7%. In his injury-shortened 2020 season, he had the third-lowest rate. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said that while some of Burrow's interceptions aren't his fault, the quarterback is seeking to get better.
"The responsibility falls on you ultimately because a lot of people just look at the piece of paper," Taylor said. "But there's also things that he wants to continue to improve on as well. That's just part of playing the position -- being aggressive and balancing that with great decision-making."
Burrow did not throw on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a dislocated right pinkie that he suffered early in the loss to the Chargers. He said he still expects to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.