Ahead of yesterday’s game, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in Jake Browning‘s ability to handle quarterback duties in place of Joe Burrow. After another poor outing, though, things could change soon. 
Browning wound up throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday’s loss to the Lions. However, much of that production (and all three scores) came during the fourth quarter with Cincinnati trailing by a large margin. Browning’s early showing included three interceptions, and after the game Taylor seemed to leave the door open to a change under center.
“After a game like that, we’re going to look at all personnel to make sure we’re doing the right thing,” Taylor said (via ESPN’s Ben Baby). “I won’t shy away from that because it’s a very fair question after the amount of turnovers that we had.”
Browning has thrown eight interceptions on just 124 pass attempts since taking over from an injured Burrow. Ending Cincinnati’s three-game losing streak will require an improved showing in terms of avoiding turnovers, something which could be brought about by a switch at the quarterback spot. Brett Rypien is currently second on the depth chart, while in-season signings Mike White and Sean Clifford reside on the practice squad.
To date, the Bengals have yet to make inquiries about a trade aimed at shoring up the QB position. As long as Burrow remains on track to return at some point late in the year following toe surgery, Cincinnati could continue looking internally. That approach could still see Browning handling QB1 duties – Taylor added in his post-game press conference he remains confident in the 29-year-old – but it will be interesting to see what changes are made on offense over the next few days.
Regardless of what happens under center, improving on defense will be critical if the Bengals are to contend for a postseason berth. The team ranks 30th in points and yards allowed and sits at 2-3 on the year. Defense was a major issue last season and that has remained the case early in 2025. Taylor and his staff will have a number of important decisions to make before visiting the Packers in Week 6.
Maybe They trade for Richardson ?
Why would they do that? Richardson hasn’t shown he’d be an upgrade over Browning and would be expensive considering his draft position plus they’re probably hoping to not need an expensive backup through next year. They’re better off accepting this as a lost season since their defense is also horrendous, trading what they can to free up some money and get some picks and trying again with Burrow hopefully behind a better line and a better defense next year.
What’s the point? You made your decision already and at this point it’s time for a fire sale and prepare for next year.
Take the draft position and reset. Seems like a no-brainer based on the available talent and time it would take them to ramp up, just to finish middle of the pack at best.
Aaron Rodgers haters are in absolute dire straits with the putrid state of the AFC North.
Let this be an answer to the conundrum of separating art from artist. The personal, non-football choices of Aaron Rodgers he’s made in his life have nothing to do with his ability on the football field. Take your emotions and individual morality and separate them from your ability to recognize one of the best to play the quarterback position.
And this goes for the Mike Tomlin haters as well. Take your outlandish expectations and understand that Kenny Pickett didn’t crack the Browns roster and Mike Tomlin had a winning season with him. The Bengals are nothing with Browning under center, and Tomlin made it work with Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges. Tomlin never had a defense fall apart like the current Ravens product. The man is a beast and I hope he coaches forever.
Steelers fans are absolutely insufferable, please don’t think I am one (defending Tomlin hopefully elucidates that) but I am a fan of greatness, and both Tomlin and Rodgers are absolute legends of the NFL.
Well said, Druuu!
Don’t break a hip climbing down from that soapbox of yours …
Perhaps a HC change?
Jameis Winston
The Giants are more likely to trade Wilson than Winston.
Browning looked terrible against the Lions. Besides the three interceptions, there were 2-3 other long passes (“ducks”) that were launched downfield with no receiver in sight. He did not look like an NFL quarterback.
If there is still hope for a Burrow return then Bengals have to look at acquiring a veteran QB. There schedule eases up after GB. They have some winnable games. Also, they need to add a veteran to help the rest of the team. The D gave them chances to be in the game yesterday but the turnovers by Browning killed them. They should be calling any and all teams with a quality veteran backup. Rame- Jimmy G, Panthers- Dalton, NY Giants- Wilson or Winston, KC- Minshew, NY Jets- Tyrod Taylor, etc …
The ‘Lion King’ was okay but ‘The Red Rifle Saves the Bengals’ will be an even better movie.