The sky is falling for the Cincinnati Bengals with the injury to quarterback Joe Burrow, or is it? Cincinatti faces an uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
Burrow, two-time AP Comeback Player of the Year (2021, 2024) and two-time Pro Bowl selection suffered a turf toe injury during their comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. The injury is expected to keep Burrow sidelined for at least three months. As a result, the Bengals’ playoff odds have plummeted from 65% to just 35%, according to major sportsbooks, highlighting the significant impact of this setback.
​However, there is hope for the Bengals, and his name is Jake Browning. Browning led the 31-27 comeback against the Jaguars in Week 2, throwing for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Currently, Cincinnati sits at 2-0 and atop the AFC North division. Let’s discuss why Browning and the defense can help get Cincinnati into the postseason.
Next Man Up: Why Cincinnati Can Still Reach the Playoffs
Browning Has Filled in Before and Delivered
​In 2023, Browning took over for Burrow midway through the regular season and gave the Bengals a realistic chance of making the postseason, but Cincinnati fell one game short of a Wild Card berth. He went 4-2 in six starts, averaging 273 passing yards per game, and had Bengals fans believing. To highlight his potential, Browning posted a passer rating of 98.5 against top-10 defenses and 115.3 against bottom-10 defenses.
Now Browning gets a full season to prove to the rest of the league that he can be a full-time starter in the NFL. He will have all the offensive weapons at his disposal, including Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Chase Brown.
​Head Coach Zac Taylor can get the best out of Browning with full preparation now, and we could see the former Washington Huskies quarterback play himself into a potential starting job next season for another team. Â
Taylor won’t put Browning in uncomfortable situations on the field, and it also helps that he has arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the game. Browning has all the resources around him to have a remarkable season and shock most fans when they watch the Bengals every week.
No Burrow, Bigger Burden on the Defense
​Cincinnati’s defense has shown promise but susceptibility as well early on in the young season. They held the Cleveland Browns to just 16 points, but a couple of tipped interceptions were misleading in that Week 1 win. Against Jacksonville, the Bengals were able to get timely stops when they needed them most to help Browning lead the comeback.
This is a bend but don’t break defense. This defense will give up yards but limit you to field goals. That will be the key this season, especially with Burrow out. The team cannot expect to get into shootouts and be bailed out by the offense. New defensive coordinator Al Golden will have to ramp up the pressure and force turnovers to create shorter fields for the offense.
The defense is relatively healthy to start so far, and expect key players such as Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and B.J. Hill to pick up the slack.
Schedule Outlook and Prediction
Currently: (2-0), Win @ Cleveland Browns, Win vs Jacksonville Jaguars
​Week 3 @ Minnesota (Loss)
Week 4 @ Denver Broncos (Win)
Week 5 vs Detroit Lions (Loss)
Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers (Loss)
Week 7 vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Win)
Week 8 vs New York Jets (Win)
Week 9 vs Chicago Bears (Win)
Week 10 BYE
Week 11 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Loss)
Week 12 vs New England Patriots (Win)
Week 13 @ Baltimore Ravens (Loss)
Week 14 @ Buffalo Bills (Loss)
Week 15 vs Baltimore Ravens (Win)
Week 16Â @ Miami Dolphins (Win)
Week 17 vs Arizona Cardinals (Loss)
Week 18 vs Cleveland Browns (Win)
Season Prediction: 10-7, Earn Wild Card Berth
The Bengals, led by Browning under center, will finish 10-7 and earn a postseason bid. People forget Browning has experience, and this situation shouldn’t overwhelm the quarterback. He’s proven he can win big games, and with the right personnel and coaching surrounding him, he can lead the Bengals to the playoffs after failing to make it last season.
Main Image: © Cara Owsley/ The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
