The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season with pressure mounting on their backs. Missing the playoffs the last two seasons, it was becoming hard to justify the investments they had already made, especially on the offensive end. Then, less than six full quarters into the season, their superstar quarterback, Joe Burrow, went down with a turf toe injury likely to keep him out for three months at a minimum.
The team gave backup Jake Browning the starting job, with his play in 2023 inspiring confidence that he could keep the team afloat. But, apart from the second half of their Week 2 game, Browning has failed to keep the team passable. As a result, the Bengals ultimately had to make a trade to bring in veteran Joe Flacco, who the Cleveland Browns just benched. Understandably, the decision hasn’t gone over well with Browning.
How Did Joe Flacco Arriving to the Bengals Land With Jake Browning?
Since taking over the job, Browning has played three full games and essentially the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that timeframe, Cincinnati has gone 1-3, with its lone win against the Jaguars.
However, the play from the undrafted signal-caller was even more worrying for the franchise. Ranking dead last on PFSN’s QB Impact, his production resembled nothing close to a starting quarterback.
As a result, from an organizational perspective, the move to bring in Flacco made sense, even if his play with the Browns does little to inspire confidence. However, for Browning, the move has once again moved him to the QB2 role, something he isn’t satisfied with.
“I’m socially aware enough to handle it on my own. I think it s*cks, but everyone’s in the middle of the season.” Ultimately, he just accepted the move as, “Welcome to Pro Football. If you don’t play well, you’re going to get replaced. That’s what I’m going through.”
Continuing, he added, “Obviously, I’m pissed, and if I wasn’t pissed, then I shouldn’t be in this locker room.” He believed he had a role to play in the team’s struggles offensively, but he clarified that he didn’t think all the blame fell on him.
It will be interesting to see how things play out for the Bengals with a new man under center, and if the team comes back to view the trade for the former Super Bowl champion as a turning point for the 2025 campaign.