The Cincinnati Bengals got off to a hot start to the 2025 NFL season, winning consecutive games and looking like a team that might be able to be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
However, that quickly changed during the Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow going down with a toe injury that will keep him sidelined for three months. This resulted in the team turning to backup Jake Browning, who, outside of a game-winning touchdown against the Jaguars, has really struggled to get this potent offense back on track.
Browning’s struggles and two straight losses have led to questions about whether a change needs to be made at the quarterback position to stop the bleeding. The pressure is now on head coach Zac Taylor to make the right decision moving forward.
Zac Taylor Reveals Confidence Level in Jake Browning
GettyHead coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings.
After scoring only three points in the embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos, the Bengals clearly have issues on the offensive side of the football, and it starts with Browning under center.
Although Browning hasn’t shown the ability to be a viable replacement for Burrows during the team’s last two losses, Taylor remains confident in the veteran backup moving forward.
“I’ve got a ton of confidence in Jake,” Taylor said during a team press conference on Wednesday. “I’m unwavering in that. I’ve seen the best of Jake. I know that we can do a great job supporting him to where he can go win games for us.”
Currently, the Bengals have Brett Rypien backing up Browning. Taylor was asked whether another quarterback should be brought in.
“With every position, we’re always assessing,” said Taylor on whether the team should bring in competition at the quarterback position. “They do a great job of that, presenting us options when Joe went down.”
It seems as though Taylor has no intention of making a change at quarterback after Week 4’s loss, which could quickly change if the team loses convincingly to the Detroit Lions in Week 5.
Frustration Mounting for Bengals Superstar Ja’Marr Chase
GettyJa’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
With the Bengals’ offense being a shell of itself during Burrows’ absence, one player who seems to be getting increasingly frustrated is superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
“Urgency is there, man, it’s just you gotta want it,” Chase said after losing a second straight game via ESPN. “At the end of the day, we gotta want it. Today, it didn’t look like we wanted it.”
It’s hard to blame Chase for his frustration, as he came into the season with high expectations, especially after signing a new deal with the Bengals. However, he seems to be keeping a level head, with only four games played thus far and the team sitting at .500 at 2-2.
“I’m always frustrated if I’m losing,” Chase said. “But it’s part of the game, man. Sometimes the emotions take over. Sometimes it looks like what it’s not supposed to. It happens.”
Only time will tell whether this Bengals‘ offense can get it figured out, but as of right now, things look bleak in Cincinnati for Chase and company.
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