2025 Cincinnati Bengals Part 2: The Jake Browning Show

[WVRed]

New thread ready for when the other one hits 1,000

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[KoryMac5]

If they can get to the tournament anything can happen lots of playmakers on this team and Browning completed 70 percent of his passes last season.


Plus we get to see his fiancé for the foreseeable future

[Sea Ray]

The Bengals still got a scenario where this works out. A longshot for sure but...

Burrow comes back for the last 4 games. Bengals make the playoffs. By then the team and O line have gelled (as they often do under Zac). Burrow has fresh legs and balls out

What we do for the next 3 months I don't know

[KoryMac5]

Tough stretch of games too with GB, Detroit, Pittsburgh looming. He gets the first team snaps this week, so we should see how the offense plays against Minnesota and Denver. Best case scenario you split and head into that tough stretch 3-1.

Be interesting to see who they bring in to backup Jake…

[WVRed]

Tough stretch of games too with GB, Detroit, Pittsburgh looming. He gets the first team snaps this week, so we should see how the offense plays against Minnesota and Denver. Best case scenario you split and head into that tough stretch 3-1.

Be interesting to see who they bring in to backup Jake…Probably Rypien who is on the practice squad.

Posted on the other thread but there are some fans calling for trading for Kirk Cousins having no idea how the salary cap works.

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[Betterread]

Rough day for the Bengals, with a smash and grab win lessening the pain a little.
With Burrow out for 3 months, a trade for Kirk Cousins should at least be considered, if the price is right.

[Sea Ray]

Rough day for the Bengals, with a smash and grab win lessening the pain a little.
With Burrow out for 3 months, a trade for Kirk Cousins should at least be considered, if the price is right.

Cousins is owed tens of millions after this year. No way that works

[WrongVerb]

Jake "Earl Morrall" Browning?

[bucksfan2]

Cousins is owed tens of millions after this year. No way that works

If ATL eats some of that salary, I think they should kick the tires.

I do think Taylor is going with Browning because he likes Browning as a QB.

[RiverRat13]

This is such a downer for a lot of reasons but the biggest is that I love watching Joe Burrow play quarterback. All of the offseason discussion we have as fans gets rendered meaningless by one play. It just stinks.

Other thoughts...

I don't think the Bengals were winning the Super Bowl with this team, but I do think they could have made the playoffs and maybe won a game. Browning is a really good backup, but I don't see a repeat of 2023. So we're probably talking draft order in November. Joy.

Had they not made the playoffs with a healthy Burrow, I don't think Taylor would have been fired, but I do think his seat would have gotten warmer. Now the whole operation, including Duke, will get a pass from ownership because Burrow got hurt.

They will change the offense to help Browning just like they did in 2023. After a third major injury, it's time for the adults in the room to save Joe Burrow from himself and make him play within that offense. Burrow doesn't want the easy button plays that Browning gets, but those easy button plays mean less times that he gets hit. Maybe it makes him less effective, but I'd rather have a top 8 QB for 17 games than a top 4 QB who can't finish a season.

[Sea Ray]

If ATL eats some of that salary, I think they should kick the tires.

I do think Taylor is going with Browning because he likes Browning as a QB.

They’d have to eat pretty much all of it and they can’t afford that. As it is right now they’d have a $65mill cap hit if they traded him. I assume any other money they kick in would increase that hit all the more

Forget a Cousins trade to here. No way


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[plantmanky]

Wonder if Carolina would trade Andy (to be the backup to Browning).

[okpanda]

They’d have to eat pretty much all of it and they can’t afford that. As it is right now they’d have a $65mill cap hit if they traded him. I assume any other money they kick in would increase that hit all the more

Forget a Cousins trade to here. No way


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And anyway, Cousins isn't mobile like Burrow or Browing. He'd get mauled even worse behind this o-line.

[KoryMac5]

Schefter of ESPN reports Bengals are indeed contacting free agent QBs as well as trade targets. Malik Willis was mentioned…

[RiverfrontRed]

Cousins is owed tens of millions after this year. No way that works

Kirk Cousins has approximately $30.5 million in guaranteed money left on his Atlanta Falcons contract: $27.5 million for the 2025 season, which is a guaranteed base salary, and the remaining $3 million prorated portion of his initial signing bonus. He was owed a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 in March 2025.

[Sea Ray]

Interesting development:


Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has an ankle sprain and likely will not play Week 3. Kevin O'Connell doesn't see this as a short-term IR stint, but McCarthy is very likely out Week 3.

It's Carson Wentz vs. Jake Browning on Sunday.

https://x.com/jjones9/status/1967659428611756417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967660245041418741%7Ctwgr% 5Ef9be294e7ab69327e535d7b94963e4cfd4ef7674%7Ctwcon %5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.go-bengals.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsyste mcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fjjo nes9%2Fstatus%2F1967660245041418741%3Ft%3D5VokqN9A YWq6c3DeXMNLDQ26s%3D19

[RiverfrontRed]

Interesting development:



https://x.com/jjones9/status/1967659428611756417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967660245041418741%7Ctwgr% 5Ef9be294e7ab69327e535d7b94963e4cfd4ef7674%7Ctwcon %5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.go-bengals.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsyste mcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fjjo nes9%2Fstatus%2F1967660245041418741%3Ft%3D5VokqN9A YWq6c3DeXMNLDQ26s%3D19

Wentz is probably better than McCarthy at this point.

[Sea Ray]

Wentz is probably better than McCarthy at this point.

I had that thought as well

[Sea Ray]

ESPN sources: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain.

With McCathy out, Vikings QB Carson Wentz is now in line to start.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1967668706722615516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967667147154522248%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[Kingspoint]

Interesting development:



https://x.com/jjones9/status/1967659428611756417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967660245041418741%7Ctwgr% 5Ef9be294e7ab69327e535d7b94963e4cfd4ef7674%7Ctwcon %5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.go-bengals.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsyste mcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fjjo nes9%2Fstatus%2F1967660245041418741%3Ft%3D5VokqN9A YWq6c3DeXMNLDQ26s%3D19

Don't care how we get there. Just get to 3-0. I'm hoping Burrow can get back in time for the playoffs.

As ball-hawking as our Defense has been so far, I'm looking for 3 Int's against Wentz.

Wentz will make at least four of his classic throws where he just ignores coverage amd throws right into a group of Defenders. Wentz is horrible at making reads. This gives our Defense a legitimate chance.

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https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/09/vikings-qb-j-j-mccarthy-unlikely-to-play-in-week-3

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Wentz is probably better than McCarthy at this point.

Not even close. Wentz sucks worse than Ridder.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals have a capable Starting QB on Sunday. Vikings do not.

[WVRed]

Schefter of ESPN reports Bengals are indeed contacting free agent QBs as well as trade targets. Malik Willis was mentioned…Here's an idea:

Jameis Winston.

At least you know his press game would be entertaining.

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[Betterread]

Bengals have a capable Starting QB on Sunday. Vikings do not.

There’s more to this story than you think. JJM might have been benched, meaning he’s not that badly hurt. KOC is not talking that way, but he has is a master communicator (ie lies to press). if KOC is making that call, he sees something in Wentz (redemption?) and I know he loves the third string QB- an un drafted rookie FA from U of Minn Max Brosmer.

KOC cut browning twice, for the record. And he remembers that. He led a Bengals win in 2023.

[Tony Cloninger]

If Jake plays as well as before and they run better. Block better. Does this mean Zack cannot scheme better for Joe? Yet what about last year? Or is it Joe is too stubborn to do what he should do to avoid getting hit more. Plus he’s fragile. It just is. Players get hit like that and don’t get the injuries he does the last two times. The whole thing is just off.

[Redsfaithful]

Jake Browning has an opportunity here to go make himself $100 million+.

Geno Smith has $107 million in career earnings if the site I looked at is accurate. I think with these weapons he could be as good as Geno's best year in 2022. 69.8% completion, 30/11 TD/INT, 7.5 YPA.

I bet he thinks he can do it. It'll be entertaining to watch I think.

[RedTeamGo!]

Jake Browning has an opportunity here to go make himself $100 million+.

Geno Smith has $107 million in career earnings if the site I looked at is accurate. I think with these weapons he could be as good as Geno's best year in 2022. 69.8% completion, 30/11 TD/INT, 7.5 YPA.

I bet he thinks he can do it. It'll be entertaining to watch I think.

I get the sentiment, however, Geno Smith was drafted 39th overall and Browning was an undrafted FA. That right there creates a big difference in career earnings.

[Kingspoint]

The Burrow injury hasn't really bothered me at all.

The main issue for me, with or without Burrow, is the Defense. The 2nd most important issue for me is the Offensive Line. Burrow was never going to lead the team on a playoff run if those issues don't get addressed.

I have no issues with Browning as the Starting Quarterback, David Carr's opinions be damned. Browning's backup is another matter.

I'm hoping Burrow can return in January for Wild Card Weekend. That's 4 months from now (turf toe has ended a lot of careers), Jan. 10-12.

It's not the play of Browning, but the degree of improvement by the Defense and O-Line that will determine if we can go 8-7 the rest of the season and get into the playoffs.

Despite Joe going down, there's confidence in being 2-0, while it's likely everyone takes it up a notch, at least for one week, to get the team to 3-0, and then the confidence takes another upturn.

[Redsfaithful]

I get the sentiment, however, Geno Smith was drafted 39th overall and Browning was an undrafted FA. That right there creates a big difference in career earnings.

$40 million of that is THIS YEAR. Good free agent QBs are so rare.

[WrongVerb]

If Jake plays as well as before and they run better. Block better. Does this mean Zack cannot scheme better for Joe? Yet what about last year? Or is it Joe is too stubborn to do what he should do to avoid getting hit more. Plus he’s fragile. It just is. Players get hit like that and don’t get the injuries he does the last two times. The whole thing is just off.

The problem with Burrow is that he can't play well from under center. So he has to take most snaps from the shotgun. This takes away things like play action, draws, and reverses, which keep the defense on their heels. That puts a lot of pressure on the offensive line, because rushers are pinning their ears back on every play. Burrow is so good that he can overcome all these limitations, but he'd be so much better if he could play under center.

[Boss-Hog]

The problem with Burrow is that he can't play well from under center. So he has to take most snaps from the shotgun. This takes away things like play action, draws, and reverses, which keep the defense on their heels. That puts a lot of pressure on the offensive line, because rushers are pinning their ears back on every play. Burrow is so good that he can overcome all these limitations, but he'd be so much better if he could play under center.I don't know that he can't so much as it's his preference to play in shotgun due to not being comfortable turning his back to the defense. That, of course, could be at least in part due to lack of confidence in his offensive line, but I believe this predates his time here, so who knows. Anyway, after this injury, everything should be on the table to minimize risk as much as possible while still allowing him to play at a reasonably high or better level for when he returns and the rest of his career.

[bucksfan2]

I don't know that he can't so much as it's his preference to play in shotgun due to not being comfortable turning his back to the defense. That, of course, could be at least in part due to lack of confidence in his offensive line, but I believe this predates his time here, so who knows. Anyway, after this injury, everything should be on the table to minimize risk as much as possible while still allowing him to play at a reasonably high or better level for when he returns and the rest of his career.

When Burrow was at OSU for his first three years they were never under center. I can't recall what he did with LSU at the time, but I would imagine he was in the gun a lot. When you are developed primarily out of the gun, you don't like taking the ball from under center. Maybe its a comfort thing, maybe he just likes it better. I don't know how much they go in the pistol which could help with play action a bit.

I know from OSU, but Ryan Day started putting the QB under center a few years ago to help with play action. They also use the pistol, but they have the the tendency to run primarily out of that formation. I say this because Taylor probably could be more diverse with his formations, but when you have a top 3 QB and he says, I like gun better, well then you go out of the gun. I have a feeling that they will be far more diverse with Browning at QB than Burrow.

[Boss-Hog]

When Burrow was at OSU for his first three years they were never under center. I can't recall what he did with LSU at the time, but I would imagine he was in the gun a lot. When you are developed primarily out of the gun, you don't like taking the ball from under center. Maybe its a comfort thing, maybe he just likes it better. I don't know how much they go in the pistol which could help with play action a bit.

I know from OSU, but Ryan Day started putting the QB under center a few years ago to help with play action. They also use the pistol, but they have the the tendency to run primarily out of that formation. I say this because Taylor probably could be more diverse with his formations, but when you have a top 3 QB and he says, I like gun better, well then you go out of the gun. I have a feeling that they will be far more diverse with Browning at QB than Burrow.You make some good points, and I agree with you. The Bengals definitely do operate out of the pistol some of the time.

[Redsfaithful]

I have read a lot of the online chatter this week and see a lot of blame on Burrow for taking too many hits. Typically someone then mentions Burrow is one of the quickest to throw in the NFL, then you get the not comfortable under center talk, the Zac won't make him play under center, etc.

Couple of things from all that:

- Josh Allen holds the ball significantly longer than Burrow and he only got sacked 14 times last year. I read that and folks I don't know if I even realized there were QBs only taking 14 sacks a year.

I have no idea what this means, if anything, but wow. Can you imagine a Bengals offense where Burrow gets sacked less than once per game?

- Someone would really have to get into the weeds to know if this is true but it feels like the quality of hit Burrow takes might be worse than average. So many times guys come through barely blocked and just level him. Maybe worse, he takes so many hits in and around big pileups trying to escape which is a recipe for knee/ankle/foot injuries.

It seems clear at this point the line blocks worse for Burrow. He's making their life harder somehow. It could be the play changes at the line, the scrambling, the not going under center. I think the frustrating thing is they've known that since 2023 when Browning played 7+ games, but they didnt change anything. Burrow taking 50 sacks a year is just accepted as a normal state of things.

The org has never acted with an appropriate amount of urgency with the line during Burrow's career. I know they've spent money and high draft picks, but they've had foreseeable black holes on the line every year, ironically maybe save for this one. A lot of these injuries are fluky but when your QB is getting hit more than Andrew Luck you're going to have injuries, I don't care who the QB is.

Last thought, flipping it can you imagine how happy we'd be with the defense if they were averaging 4+ sacks a game? That's what the offense has had to overcome basically every week of Burrow's career. It's crazy they've still been so good, given that.

[RedTeamGo!]

Josh Allen is a running threat, too, though.

Burrow is a statue

[Fil3232]

Burrow isn’t a statue. But he’s also not the out-of-pocket threat like Allen or Lamar

[Redsfaithful]

Josh Allen is a running threat, too, though.

Burrow is a statue

Used to be able to run a little bit, probably gonna be a full statue going forward though. All the more reason to get it figured out.

[RiverRat13]

I honestly don't know how anyone can watch Joe Burrow play and say he's a statue.

Burrow both gets the ball out extremely quickly because he makes the right read, but also holds on to the ball to try to make a big play if the read isn't there. You can try to limit the times he does the latter but if you completely take it away you lose part of what makes him special. If he's going to take fewer hits, he has to let Zac call the easy button plays that Zac calls for Browning.

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Used to be able to run a little bit, probably gonna be a full statue going forward though. All the more reason to get it figured out.

Why would he be full statue going forward?

[MWM]

Cause and effect. The 2nd one is the scariest.

And look how good Daniel Jones is with a great line.

23033

23032

[RedTeamGo!]

I honestly don't know how anyone can watch Joe Burrow play and say he's a statue.

Burrow both gets the ball out extremely quickly because he makes the right read, but also holds on to the ball to try to make a big play if the read isn't there. You can try to limit the times he does the latter but if you completely take it away you lose part of what makes him special. If he's going to take fewer hits, he has to let Zac call the easy button plays that Zac calls for Browning.

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Why would he be full statue going forward?

Ok, let me rephrase, compared to Josh Allen he is a statue

[Sea Ray]

Ok, let me rephrase, compared to Josh Allen he is a statue

Most QBs are

[Kingspoint]

Wow!

I can't believe anyone is blaming Burrow's sacks on something negative that Joe does. He's the most intelligent Quarterback in the league, on par with Brady and Peyton. He does what he does (from the shotgun) because it gives him the greatest chance to exploit the Defense.

PFF doesn't grade the Offensive Linemen of the Bengals poorly every year because of anything Burrow does or does not do. They are graded poorly because they fail more often than others to win their assignment while also losing their assignment more often than others. (And for those who think that the graders don't know what every Lineman's assignment is, don't assume that they know as little about it as you do. It's not rocket science, but it apparently is to anyone who thinks the graders don't know each person's assignments.)

Joe doesn't care how bad his line is. He's willing to absorb sacks if he can extend a play and move the ball, identical in his thinking to Aaron Rodgers (who also never had the support of a decent O-Line and would get sacked as often and in similar fashion to Burrow).

The Bengals should have taken Sewell instead of Chase. Burrow can turn average Receivers into Pro Bowlers. But, he can't turn below average Linemen into average ones.

If Browning can get rid of the ball quickly enough and make the right reads, he has the weapons to have a Pro Bowl season,...unless he gets injured for a long time.

[bucksfan2]

Wow!

I can't believe anyone is blaming Burrow's sacks on something negative that Joe does. He's the most intelligent Quarterback in the league, on par with Brady and Peyton. He does what he does (from the shotgun) because it gives him the greatest chance to exploit the Defense.

PFF doesn't grade the Offensive Linemen of the Bengals poorly every year because of anything Burrow does or does not do. They are graded poorly because they fail more often than others to win their assignment while also losing their assignment more often than others. (And for those who think that the graders don't know what every Lineman's assignment is, don't assume that they know as little about it as you do. It's not rocket science, but it apparently is to anyone who thinks the graders don't know each person's assignments.)

Joe doesn't care how bad his line is. He's willing to absorb sacks if he can extend a play and move the ball, identical in his thinking to Aaron Rodgers (who also never had the support of a decent O-Line and would get sacked as often and in similar fashion to Burrow).

The Bengals should have taken Sewell instead of Chase. Burrow can turn average Receivers into Pro Bowlers. But, he can't turn below average Lineman into average ones.

If Browning can get rid of the ball quickly enough and make the right reads, he has the weapons to have a Pro Bowl season,...unless he gets injured for a long time.

Joe pushed the Bengals into signing Tee instead of pouring that money into the OLine. Again, if your stance is the Bengals should have drafted Sewell instead of Chase, then they absolutely should have put Tee's money towards the OLine.

The weird thing with Burrow is he has suffered quite a few freak injuries. The torn wrist ligament was something that you never hear about with QB's. Turf toe isn't something you hear about with QB's either. Look at the injuries that have sidelined Burrow over his career, wrist ligament, turf toe, emergency appendectomy, strained calf in preaseason, the only one really makes sense is the torn ACL because unfortunately that happens in the NFL.

[UKFlounder]

Burrow can turn average Receivers into Pro Bowlers. But, he can't turn below average Linemen into average ones.

.

This was a popular refrain during the draft process, but what average receiver has been anything more than average with Joe. Not Yoshi. Not Burton. Not Charlie Jones. Boyd was very good before Burrow got here.

Maybe Hurst for one year at TE (not a Pro Bowler though), but then what happened with Irv Smith at that position? Gesicki has been decent but no Pro Bowler.

Burrow helps really good WRs be really good and lesser WRs be lesser WRs. The "make an average WR into a great one" has proven to be a myth, perhaps just wishful thinking by Bengal fans (kind of like the other dream that top notch free agents would flock to play with him and that he made Cincinnati a more attractive team.)

[GAC]

The guy's had three major injuries in the 6 years he's been in the league. His offensive line consistently gets a terrible PFF rating on protection. This is not rocket science.

And the Bengals have spent money, used draft picks, to try and address this over the last few years, am I wrong? So what then is the issue? Poor player scouting? Poor coaching (line coaches)? Refusing to seriously enter market to acquire the established talent?

I don't understand how you can have a talent at QB like Burrow, who can take you to a SB ... and yet you can't properly protect him?? That's like parking your Lamborghini on the street!

Not sure the below is true? If so. Wow!

https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/549269592_831866296072822_5918473177687005931_n.jp g?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=-0xRxAG-U4oQ7kNvwG6yljj&_nc_oc=Adnh-RYWSE0Gebmm_izKPn4DeXiP3pJB9lH27N-W3O3FEFDXa_9S2TS9_7Jo4rPZGc4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=-lcOcpDBkqLqjhh_Pgstgg&oh=00_AfYBsEFWHOCe_ZmfOUe5t66OgJDPOKOp4t4CqwTo3teg gQ&oe=68CF8340

[Kingspoint]

Joe pushed the Bengals into signing Tee instead of pouring that money into the OLine. Again, if your stance is the Bengals should have drafted Sewell instead of Chase, then they absolutely should have put Tee's money towards the OLine.



They were always going to sign Tee. Even if they weren't, they were never going to use it on the O-Line. They still have $11M!

[Kingspoint]

This was a popular refrain during the draft process, but what average receiver has been anything more than average with Joe. Not Yoshi. Not Burton. Not Charlie Jones. Boyd was very good before Burrow got here.

Maybe Hurst for one year at TE (not a Pro Bowler though), but then what happened with Irv Smith at that position? Gesicki has been decent but no Pro Bowler.

Burrow helps really good WRs be really good and lesser WRs be lesser WRs. The "make an average WR into a great one" has proven to be a myth, perhaps just wishful thinking by Bengal fans (kind of like the other dream that top notch free agents would flock to play with him and that he made Cincinnati a more attractive team.)

Remarkable how little you think of Burrow.

Burton sucks. He has no discipline. He can't run routes. Don't forget the pecking order...Chase 35% of the targets, Higgins, 25% of the targets, Boyd 15% of the targets, TE's 20% of the targets, RB's 20% of the targets. When has anyone else been given a chance?

[Redsfaithful]

Why would he be full statue going forward?

That's just my assumption given this is actually a career ending injury at times. Could be wrong, maybe his foot will be good as new after the rehab.

I also am wondering if this will be the one that makes him change how he plays a little bit, I'm sure he has to see now that he takes too many hits and is on the ground too much. So much of that is the poor lines but little bit is on him.

I don't know if we need the hero plays early in a game in week 2. Maybe just emulate Tom Brady a little bit and go down easier, situationally.

[LiferJim]

The guy's had three major injuries in the 6 years he's been in the league. His offensive line consistently gets a terrible PFF rating on protection. This is not rocket science.

And the Bengals have spent money, used draft picks, to try and address this over the last few years, am I wrong? So what then is the issue? Poor player scouting? Poor coaching (line coaches)? Refusing to seriously enter market to acquire the established talent?

I don't understand how you can have a talent at QB like Burrow, who can take you to a SB ... and yet you can't properly protect him?? That's like parking your Lamborghini on the street!

Not sure the below is true? If so. Wow!

https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/549269592_831866296072822_5918473177687005931_n.jp g?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=-0xRxAG-U4oQ7kNvwG6yljj&_nc_oc=Adnh-RYWSE0Gebmm_izKPn4DeXiP3pJB9lH27N-W3O3FEFDXa_9S2TS9_7Jo4rPZGc4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=-lcOcpDBkqLqjhh_Pgstgg&oh=00_AfYBsEFWHOCe_ZmfOUe5t66OgJDPOKOp4t4CqwTo3teg gQ&oe=68CF8340

Great post. Watching the line in the preseason, it was pretty easy to predict what happened. Believe me, I wanted to be wrong.

It’s a travesty they are wasting Joe’s best years with piss poor offensive lines.


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[Tony Cloninger]

He seems incapable of throwing the ball away like the NFL easily allows QB to do. He’s not a guy who’s going to roll out. But he could. This does not help his situation. Sure the OL needs to be better. His inability to be more mobile in the pocket and no he’s no statue. He ran over 50 yards for a TD against the Giants. If Joe can survive the last 2 big injuries I’m confident he can survive this.

[Sea Ray]

That's just my assumption given this is actually a career ending injury at times. Could be wrong, maybe his foot will be good as new after the rehab.

I also am wondering if this will be the one that makes him change how he plays a little bit, I'm sure he has to see now that he takes too many hits and is on the ground too much. So much of that is the poor lines but little bit is on him.

I don't know if we need the hero plays early in a game in week 2. Maybe just emulate Tom Brady a little bit and go down easier, situationally.

Mahomes went through this a couple years ago and it didn’t turn him into a statue


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[KoryMac5]

I think its optimistic to think he is back for the final 4 games...he's going to be in a boot for several weeks. 3 months is the minimum if everything goes according to plan.

[WVRed]

I think its optimistic to think he is back for the final 4 games...he's going to be in a boot for several weeks. 3 months is the minimum if everything goes according to plan.I think a lot has to do with the season too.

If we're out of playoff contention there's no reason to rush him back.

If we're still in the thick of it it will depend on how he progresses.

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[Kingspoint]

2.4 yards per carry. Offensive Line is not only not opening up holes, but they are letting guys through to hit our backs behind the LOS. Lots of work to do so Browning doesn't have 2nd and long and 3rd and long.

[Kingspoint]

A major issue for our Defense for many decades has been a lack of ability to make defensive adjustments at the LOS by the player responsible for this. This is a by-product of poor drafting by the Tobins for decades. They are the main reason the Defense consistently sucks.

You can have the greatest Coach and the greatest DC in the world, but without a good Defensive signal caller able to make the LOS adjustments, the Defense will always be easily exlpoited.

Logan Wilson is obviously not good at this. Nobody on the team last year was. I'm hoping that Demetrius Knight can be, but I don't know anything about his ability in this area. Those watching him live will be able to tell.

Those who go to the games, who is making these calls?

You can have the

[Kingspoint]

Our current DC, when he was our LB's Coach, we were pretty good. I'd like to think that he was able to get out of his LB's some increased abilities to make LOS adjustments and, if so, can do the same with Knight.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals issue has always been the front office is too slow to adapt to the ever evolving draft trends. Most successful teams are drafting lineman with good relative athletic scores now. That’s not something that the Bengals really valued until they drafted Mims who was a 9.59. Fairchild seems to be fairly athletic as well with a strong background in wrestling. Karras, Orlando Brown Jr, and Risner are all average to below average athletes based on their combine testing. They just can’t keep up with the athletes on the D line so they have trouble run and pass blocking.

[GAC]

Pray nothing happens to Browning behind this same line. ;)

[KoryMac5]

Burrow had surgery today per Taylor...

[Roy Tucker]

Not far from the truth…

https://theonion.com/joe-burrow-frustrated-hospital-wont-take-bengals-insurance/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAM6rLtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgdTEmYAW97Z _cb39JsU9FwP1oTKylHW_8rEmjtYfNeuW0VwxZuzw1Vc_sD6_a em_ReUovueEEJYpxEHU0s_drA

[Redhook]

Not far from the truth…

https://theonion.com/joe-burrow-frustrated-hospital-wont-take-bengals-insurance/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAM6rLtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgdTEmYAW97Z _cb39JsU9FwP1oTKylHW_8rEmjtYfNeuW0VwxZuzw1Vc_sD6_a em_ReUovueEEJYpxEHU0s_drA

:laugh:

[Kingspoint]

Hoping for 4.5+ yards-per-carry from the team on Sunday.

Can't be doing what we've been doing. Two weeks is plenty of time for the new Offensive Line Coach to come up with ways to make them better.

[Redsfaithful]

Something I realized today, if the Bengals could win the next two they would be sitting 4-0 with only 5 road games left.

It would be awfully nice to be looking at 13 games left with 8 home games and probably only needing to win 6 to get in.

Denver news:

https://bsky.app/profile/rapsheet.bsky.social/post/3lzc4zy3byk2x


Denver Broncos are placing LB Dre Greenlaw on injured reserve

Just a quad strain, so Greenlaw should be back at four games.

https://bsky.app/profile/minakimes.bsky.social/post/3lzc55fhgus25


The linebacker play in Denver has been concerning. Was a huge problem vs IND and other teams will attack it

[Redhook]

Looking at the schedule, tomorrow's game is darn near a must win even though it's only game 3. Their schedule is brutal coming up and they could easily lose 4 games in a row after this week. Being optimistic, I would take 7-7 with 3 games left and Burrow back for those 3. I don't think that's the best case scenario, but I would take that right now.

[Kingspoint]

Shemar Stewart (ankle) and Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) to miss multiple weeks.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I think the Bengals will have their best offensive game so far this season in Minnesota. They do a lot more interesting things with Jake under center. If Jake doesn't turn the ball over, I think we have a good shot.

[Redsfaithful]

Shemar Stewart (ankle) and Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) to miss multiple weeks.

Two places they really don't have the depth to overcome injuries. Thanks again Duke.

[GAC]

Is it an oxymoron to call JJ McCarthy a starting QB? Bengals facing good ol' Carson Wentz.

[The Operator]

Three flags in the first two plays by the defense.


Mercy.

[The Operator]

Welp. That was quick.


7-0 Vikings

[dabvu2498]

Was that Carson Wentz or Fran Tarkenton?

[The Operator]

Welp. Not an ideal first series for the offense also.

[The Operator]

Needed that!

[KoryMac5]

Kris Jenkins was a star in camp nice to see him break through and get a sack. They desperately need another pass rusher and pressure up the middle.

[Kingspoint]

OK.

Much better Defensive stand.

Defense gave the Offense excellent Field Position.

Offense needs to at least get 3 points from this great field position.

I would go Run on 1st Down. Deep Pass (30+ yards in the air) on 2nd down to Chase, Higgins or Down the middle to Gesicki (20+ yards in the air) to whatever the coverage dictates. They can't cover all three. Someone will be in single coverage, if not two of them. The easiest pass to make is the Gesicki one, but Browning can make them all.

[dfs]

Welp. Not an ideal first series for the offense also.

Second one was worse....

[The Operator]

Browning really needs to learn when to just live to see another play.


Pick 6

14-0

[KoryMac5]

Why is Taylor still employed who came up with this game plan

[The Operator]

Might lose this one by 40.

Woof.

[Kingspoint]

Might lose this one by 40.

Woof.

Probably not.

The Vikings only know how to play one-score outcome games. Somebody wins this by 7 or less.

With this Defense and Offensive Line, I don't think Browning is capable of coming back from 14 down to win the game. Burrow would be, but that's too much to ask of Browning. Now the Vikings can just sit back and rush the passer as the Run game, ineffective so far this season, is close to being removed as an option.

[The Operator]

Defense with a nice series.

Some offense would be nice.

[Kingspoint]

Defense with their 2nd 3-and-out (both involving a sack, not gifted because of penalty).

Still hope.

But, at the least, field position needs to be changed here, which means the Bengals need to at least get to their 45 before punting. Ideally, a FG would be great. A TD would be asking for too much.

- - - Updated - - -

Brown hit behind the LOS once again. A recurring theme for this crappy Offensive Line.

[The Operator]

That looked like a first down to me.

[Kingspoint]

I won't blame Taylor if he goes for it, but it's not the correct play. Have to punt here.

- - - Updated - - -

If Taylor went for it, a Browning leap would be the play to call.

- - - Updated - - -

What the heck does "Virtual Measurement" mean on the gameday highlights?

[The Operator]

That is a first freaking down.

Unbelievable.

[Kingspoint]

That looked like a first down to me.

Good call.

- - - Updated - - -

Nice job, Samaje.

- - - Updated - - -

Perine is a better pass-protector than Brown, right?

[Kingspoint]

What a crappy Offensive Line!

[KronoRed]

Would have been better to not get that 1st and punt then, 10 yards father back now.

[Kingspoint]

Followed up by a crappy punt.

- - - Updated - - -


Would have been better to not get that 1st and punt then, 10 yards father back now.

And a crappy punt and a loss of several minutes of time.

[KoryMac5]

1.8 yds per offensive play…

[The Operator]

1.8 yds per offensive play…

Is that bad? That seems bad.

- - - Updated - - -

My god this run game is just non-existent.

[KoryMac5]

Is that bad? That seems bad.

- - - Updated - - -

My god this run game is just non-existent.

Fairchild is really the only lineman they have that can run block...the rest are not athletic enough to do it. At some point I would give Rivers a few snaps as Risner has not been as advertised.

[Kingspoint]

Need to score a TD on this drive.

[The Operator]

Gotta take advantage of the field position from this fair catch interference call.

[dabvu2498]

This is a bad officiating crew.

[KoryMac5]

Gotta take advantage of the field position from this fair catch interference call.

Agreed if you score a TD here you somehow go into halftime down 1 score...I would take that.

[Kingspoint]

Fairchild is really the only lineman they have that can run block...the rest are not athletic enough to do it. At some point I would give Rivers a few snaps as Risner has not been as advertised.

Wasn't Rivers so bad in camp that he couldn't even beat out Cody Ford for the Starting job, thus the reason they needed to add Risner?

But, yes...."a few snaps" would be wise to get Rivers ramped up. Can't learn anything from the bench.

[The Operator]

Small sample size but Perine definitely seems to have more ability to get yards after contact than Chase Brown this year.

[Kingspoint]

Defense has been pretty good.

Very good since the opening drive.

- - - Updated - - -


Small sample size but Perine definitely seems to have more ability to get yards after contact than Chase Brown this year.

Again, he's the much better blocker, right? Something our QB's need with the O-Line.

[The Operator]

LOL

[Kingspoint]

Good night, Irene.

The party's over.

No one to blame but Duke Tobin.

[The Operator]

The entire Bengals offense is being outgained by a single Minnesota defender.

[Playadlc]

Can't sit on it here. Have to score.

[KoryMac5]

Wasn't Rivers so bad in camp that he couldn't even beat out Cody Ford for the Starting job, thus the reason they needed to add Risner?

But, yes...."a few snaps" would be wise to get Rivers ramped up. Can't learn anything from the bench.

He was bad at tackle and they moved him to Guard where he played well in preseason.

[KronoRed]

Can't sit on it here. Have to score.

Sounds like a recipe for another pick 6

[Kingspoint]

Sounds like a recipe for another pick 6

4th-and-3 or less is a go-for-it situation the rest of the game.

[KoryMac5]

Vikings are not going crazy on offense either Bengals are beating themselves.

[The Operator]

Illegal forward pass, complete, fumble….


This is a circus.

[Kingspoint]

Pathetic.

[KronoRed]

Guy has activated cheat mode.

[dabvu2498]

This is 2002 level incompetence

[The Operator]

Okay now I’m thinking they might lose by 50.

[Kingspoint]

I think I'm done with the Bengals for the rest of the season until it's revealed that there's consistent progress through multiple games.

The negative crap that surrounds the Bengals' operation (cheap owners, nepotism, the consistently poor judgement by the Tobins) isn't worth making a part of one's Life.

They are just too negative.

[Redhook]

I thought this was a must-win game to have a chance at the playoffs and boy is this a bad omen. Not only do they look like preschool team, they play DEN, DET, GB and PITT their next 4 games. It'd be a Christmas miracle if they won any of those 4 games.

[The Operator]

Letting the same dude knock the ball out within a few minutes of each other is incredible.


The Bengals are one of the most poorly coached teams in the NFL.

[Kingspoint]

Which means I'm done with the NFL as I could give a crap about any other team.

[The Operator]

HAHAHAHAHA

Can’t make this up lol

[KronoRed]

Unbelievable. :laugh:

[KoryMac5]

Is it too early to talk about the draft…

[The Operator]

3 fumbles in 4 snaps….

Absolutely incredible.

- - - Updated - - -


Is it too early to talk about the draft…

For any other team I’d say no.

But the Bengals will outsmart everyone yet again by taking an edge rusher with 4 career sacks or a running back with 300 career yards or god knows what other mind melting “Trust us, bro” decision.

[KronoRed]

Of course he makes that.

[The Operator]

34-3 at halftime


Mercy

[Oxilon]

I don’t think I’ve seen a worst half of football. Maybe the SNF game with Frerotte getting pummeled by the Falcons?

[RiverRat13]

They won't look this bad every week, but the fact is that this is a clown show organization with a terrible front office and a mediocre coaching staff that got propped up last year by an MVP level QB.

[pedro]

This is grim and yet I doubt the Bengals make any significant changes after the year. I don't think they are capable of being self-critical or recognize what an amateur operation they are running.

[Kingspoint]

This is grim and yet I doubt the Bengals make any significant changes after the year. I don't think they are capable of being self-critical or recognize what an amateur operation they are running.

If you had to describe The Cincinnati Football Club in 10 words or less, this would be the definitive statement.


They have long ago exhausted all excuses.

I can't change loyalty, so I'll just check in during moments in seasons where Burrow is healthy and playing in order to watch his greatness. His injuries will have taken a toll, so there can't be much more of that in his future.

- - - Updated - - -

Go Reds!

[The Operator]

I was born into being a fan of two of the most backward, nepotistic and cheapest franchises in all of professional sports.

Woof.

[LiferJim]

Was listening on the radio on the way back from granddaughters soccer tournament. Glad I missed that fiasco. Go Reds!


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[MWM]

Being born in Cincinnati is such a curse if you’re into sports. Both are among the worst ran professional sports franchises in all of sports.

[The Operator]

40-burger complete

- - - Updated - - -

41-3


LOL

[KoryMac5]

40-burger complete

- - - Updated - - -

41-3


LOL

Time to get the back up to the back up some snaps…

[Redsfaithful]

Ah well.

I try to be optimistic but it's a fool's game.

Is there any other franchise in the NFL that wouldn't have gone to the playoffs 4-5 times with Burrow by now?

If they couldn't get there with Burrow (and he'll be back next year, so he's not done, but ...) where does the optimism come from? What, they're going to get better QB play some day?

They'll never fire Tobin, never modernize the front office. I was emotionally dead when it came to the Bengals from the 2015 playoff game to them drafting Joe. He pulled me back in, but of course the franchise couldn't convert.

The Brown family is such a joke.

[Kingspoint]

23053

23054

[Playadlc]

Chase Brown has 3 yards on 10 carries.

3 yards on 10 carries.

[RiverRat13]

Ah well.

I try to be optimistic but it's a fool's game.

Is there any other franchise in the NFL that wouldn't have gone to the playoffs 4-5 times with Burrow by now?

If they couldn't get there with Burrow (and he'll be back next year, so he's not done, but ...) where does the optimism come from? What, they're going to get better QB play some day?

They'll never fire Tobin, never modernize the front office. I was emotionally dead when it came to the Bengals from the 2015 playoff game to them drafting Joe. He pulled me back in, but of course the franchise couldn't convert.

The Brown family is such a joke.

I really, really hate having to say this, but the best chance to get back to being a factor in the AFC may be that the Bengals go 4-13 and get a top 5 pick. They've shown they can't consistently make good picks when drafting in the teens and 20s. So we probably have to root that they completely fall apart so that an impact player falls into their laps like Chase did in 2021.

[Sea Ray]

Three flags in the first two plays by the defense.


Mercy.

Those were bullcrap calls. The first time play there was massive holding on our lineman #98. Uniform stretched like crazy. Our #92 was called for holding and to my eye he was the one being held

The second play with the chop block called on our #23 was particularly egregious. There was no contact made! As to both of the calls, how often are defensive players “blocking” and how often are defensive linemen holding? Only the Bengals


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[Sea Ray]

I really, really hate having to say this, but the best chance to get back to being a factor in the AFC may be that the Bengals go 4-13 and get a top 5 pick. They've shown they can't consistently make good picks when drafting in the teens and 20s. So we probably have to root that they completely fall apart so that an impact player falls into their laps like Chase did in 2021.

That thought has crossed my mind as well. I’m just getting tired of waiting for next year


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[Roy Tucker]

Reality set in for the Bengals today.

[LiferJim]

Reality set in for the Bengals today.

Yep. We all hoped the defense and offensive line would be better, but in the backs of our minds, we knew they were nothing more than Swiss cheese.


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[Tony Cloninger]

So I was wrong about Lou being a problem clearly.

[UKFlounder]

So I was wrong about Lou being a problem clearly.

Maybe, but this debacle was about th4 offense snd turnovers. The defense did decently early on, but may have worn out mentally or physically after the offense kept sputtering and giving Minnesota the ball.

‘The defense is not without blame, but the offense is a bigger concern, st least right now. JMO though.

[WVRed]

I really, really hate having to say this, but the best chance to get back to being a factor in the AFC may be that the Bengals go 4-13 and get a top 5 pick. They've shown they can't consistently make good picks when drafting in the teens and 20s. So we probably have to root that they completely fall apart so that an impact player falls into their laps like Chase did in 2021.And if that happens, what direction do you pick?

The organization just needs gutted from Tobin and Zac both. Mike Brown wont move on from Tobin but Zac could be the scapegoat especially if Burrow would pull a Carson Palmer.

If Zac would get canned Joe Brady would have to be choices A, B, C and D.

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[Redhook]

The Bengals are enamored with toys, but they should be looking to trade Higgins for a 2nd round pick. He’s darn near useless without Burrow. Not only would they get a 2nd round pick, they would save money this year (Huge win for the family!) and it would free up a lot money to address the OL, DB’s, etc.

I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty depressing that the season feels like it’s over before October.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I think the Bengals will have their best offensive game so far this season in Minnesota. They do a lot more interesting things with Jake under center. If Jake doesn't turn the ball over, I think we have a good shot.

I meant, I think the Bengals offense will stink up the place. I'm done. Just done. Get rid of Tayor and I might have interest again sometime.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Letting the same dude knock the ball out within a few minutes of each other is incredible.


The Bengals are one of the most poorly coached teams in the NFL.

THE most...

[WVRed]

I meant, I think the Bengals offense will stink up the place. I'm done. Just done. Get rid of Tayor and I might have interest again sometime.There was a lot more tape on Jake this time than there was when Burrow went down two years ago. Plus Minnesota seems to rejuvenate bust QBs and turn them into stars.

At this point i wouldn't mind sending a pick to the Giants for Jameis Winston. Cant be any worse.

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[Todd Gack]

So I was wrong about Lou being a problem clearly.

There were plenty of problems with Lou. But he was not the main problem. It was clear he needed to go if you knew what was going on behind the scenes.

[WVRed]

There were plenty of problems with Lou. But he was not the main problem. It was clear he needed to go if you knew what was going on behind the scenes.Colts are 3-0 and their defense looks significantly better.

Bengals are 2-1, just got throttled by the Vikings with Carson Wentz at QB, and with Burrow out will probably have more games like yesterday.

Honestly the whole coaching staff needs to go but we all know it wont happen.

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[Tony Cloninger]

3 of the worst losses ever are all against Vikings.

1977. 42-10. In Minnesota. Outdoors. Tarkenton completed almost every pass he threw then got his leg broken on a basic sack by Bacon and Edwards. Backup comes in and kept torching. Saw that game in NBC.

1992. At home. 42-7. Week after the Brett Farva off the bench comeback win for GB.

What does all this mean? I don’t know.

[RedTeamGo!]

THE most...

Seriously? The Browns exist.

- - - Updated - - -


I really, really hate having to say this, but the best chance to get back to being a factor in the AFC may be that the Bengals go 4-13 and get a top 5 pick. They've shown they can't consistently make good picks when drafting in the teens and 20s. So we probably have to root that they completely fall apart so that an impact player falls into their laps like Chase did in 2021.

When your star QB gets hurt, this is exactly what you hope for. Browning is a tank commander. Folks need to just realize it and settle in for a bad season.

Get to the draft and take BPA. Either OL or DL.

[bucksfan2]

3 of the worst losses ever are all against Vikings.

1977. 42-10. In Minnesota. Outdoors. Tarkenton completed almost every pass he threw then got his leg broken on a basic sack by Bacon and Edwards. Backup comes in and kept torching. Saw that game in NBC.

1992. At home. 42-7. Week after the Brett Farva off the bench comeback win for GB.

What does all this mean? I don’t know.

The game against the Vikings was always going to be an uphill slog. Couple that with some pretty weird stuff happening, and you had a recipe for disaster. FWIW in the 1st half I thought the D looked good. The first TD was on them, they kept the team in the game until #2 had his second return for a TD. The crazy thing is the two returns for TD's came on drives where the Bengals were actually moving the ball. Have a day #2. Sometimes you get the snot kicked out of you and you just have to tip your hat to the other team.

Taylor's game plan needs to be better. I just don't know what is expected when you are down 7-0, driving, and then all of a sudden its a tipped pass pick 6. Then you are driving late in the second, hoping to capitalize on getting the ball after half, Chase fumbles, and the ball is returned for a TD the other way. I quit watching at that point, but apparently they fumbled again.

Sometimes the football gods look down at you and say "not today." Its going to happen, and it will probably happen to all the teams in the league. Lets see how they bounce back after this performance.

[KoryMac5]

I think we are in for a rough few weeks..Bengals are once again rewriting the offense as no one can run what Burrow does. Makes it tough as you practice that for weeks to have QB1 go down second game of the season. I would expect better against Denver as they implement and practice what Browning is good at.

[MWM]

Seriously? The Browns exist.

I would trade Taylor for Stefanski in a heartbeat.

[Kingspoint]

Maybe, but this debacle was about th4 offense snd turnovers. The defense did decently early on, but may have worn out mentally or physically after the offense kept sputtering and giving Minnesota the ball.

‘The defense is not without blame, but the offense is a bigger concern, st least right now. JMO though.

That's what I'm thinking. It would take a great, established Defense to overcome the issues the Offense had yesterday.

[Ohayou]

Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet, but you got to wonder what the 49ers might give up for Hendrickson. After playing 7 games with the Broncos in 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Rams for a 2nd & 3rd round pick.

[Redsfaithful]

There were plenty of problems with Lou. But he was not the main problem. It was clear he needed to go if you knew what was going on behind the scenes.

?

[Redhook]

Nick Bosa is out for the season with a torn ACL. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet, but you got to wonder what the 49ers might give up for Hendrickson. After playing 7 games with the Broncos in 2021, Von Miller was traded to the Rams for a 2nd & 3rd round pick.

I’m ready to throw in the towel and would make that trade in a heartbeat. Higgins needs to go asap too. With the high draft pick, most likely, the extra picks and tons of cap space, a competent GM would have a field day

[Redsfaithful]

Ravens about to lose to Detroit at home.

225 yards rushing for the Lions and they've sacked Lamar 7 times. Week 5 probably gonna be a good Sunday to go pick apples or whatever for Bengals fans.

[RedTeamGo!]

I would trade Taylor for Stefanski in a heartbeat.

Ah, I read that as "poorly ran teams in the NFL" not "coached"

disregard

[MWM]

Ah, I read that as "poorly ran teams in the NFL" not "coached"

disregard

Poorly ran it's a close race for me between the Browns and Bengals. But the Browns are probably the worst. Jets aren't far behind.

[Sea Ray]

Poorly ran it's a close race for me between the Browns and Bengals. But the Browns are probably the worst. Jets aren't far behind.

The Raiders

[UKFlounder]

Don’t forget the Panthers

[CTA513]

Former Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at the age of 45.



Former Auburn star, Bengals Pro Bowl RB Rudi Johnson dies at 45

In a statement, the Bengals mourned Johnson's death.

"Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us," Bengals president Mike Brown said. "He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46356355/former-auburn-star-bengals-pro-bowl-rb-rudi-johnson-dies-45

[WVRed]

Don’t forget the PanthersThat has only been since David Tepper bought the team.

How could we have this discussion and not include the Cowboys?

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[RiverRat13]

I think we are in for a rough few weeks..Bengals are once again rewriting the offense as no one can run what Burrow does. Makes it tough as you practice that for weeks to have QB1 go down second game of the season. I would expect better against Denver as they implement and practice what Browning is good at.

To your point, they scored 10 and couldn't run the ball the first game after Joe got hurt in 2023. The next week they put up 30+ albeit against the Jags. Then put up 30+ and 27 against Indy and Minnesota the following two weeks.

[WVRed]

One thing id like to mention:

If we are tanking and end up with a top 5 pick, look into Reuben Bain or Peter Woods.

That is all.

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[KoryMac5]

One thing id like to mention:

If we are tanking and end up with a top 5 pick, look into Reuben Bain or Peter Woods.

That is all.

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There is no tank not with Taylor firmly on the hot seat...

[WVRed]

There is no tank not with Taylor firmly on the hot seat...Its kinda like Marvin. Ill believe it when I see it.

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[Todd Gack]

?

Lou was VERY green as a DC when he first started. Like, he didn't even have a system in place for basic checks on the field. It was absolutely clear our defense was not prepared at all following the bye against the Steelers last year. The biggest play in question was Justin Fields 4th down where EVERYONE in the stadium knew he was getting it outside of the 11 players on the field and Lou. There were obvious disagreements with whom we drafted and who Lou wanted to. But Lou wasn't putting the players we had into the best positions to succeed. (For example, Battle seems much more comfortable this year.)

But Lou was actually "fired" after the Pittsburgh game last year. Ownership didn't want to do it in the middle of the year but Zac let him know he was going to be gone at the end of the year. Lou kept things very vanilla with the defense the rest of the year and there was a reason our defense seemed to improve a lot after Pittsburgh (playing crappy QB's also helped too).

With that said, Zac's time may be coming to a head soon too. His offenses are so, so bad and Burros/Chase/Higgins are simply making him look good.

[plantmanky]

Everyone leaves out one thing......if Burrow wants Zac as coach, Zac will be coach (as long as Zac wants to be coach). If Burrow doesnt, and Zac contract is up, different story.

[Redhook]

I like Taylor as a head coach, but he's terrible as a play caller and here's another example to back that up (he's dead last):
https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-analysis/175853/zac-taylor-ranks-last-coaches-4th-down

[Redsfaithful]

I want to see how they respond here Monday night, but it does feel like Taylor's job is teetering here. I don't think he makes it to 2026 unless they finish over .500/make the playoffs even without Burrow.

I know they'd have to buy out a year so I'm going out on a limb a little bit.

[RiverRat13]

My prediction is that they look much better tonight, hang around for 3 quarters, but lose by 7-10 points.

[Redhook]

My prediction is that they look much better tonight, hang around for 3 quarters, but lose by 7-10 points.

I agree. If Browning doesn't turn the ball over, it could be a sneaky good game. Also the Broncos haven't played up to their expectations to start the season so they're not clicking either.

[Assembly Hall]

Any chance you guys try to acquire Russell?

[Redsfaithful]

Unless the offensive line figured something out in the last 8 days I think it's going to be rough, the one thing Denver seems to be really good at is rushing the passer.


Any chance you guys try to acquire Russell?

He's probably worse than Jake Browning these days.

[Redhook]

Any chance you guys try to acquire Russell?

Hopefully not.

I would like to see Jameis in stripes this year. At the bare minimum, it’d be exciting and unpredictable.

[Kingspoint]

My prediction is that they look much better tonight, hang around for 3 quarters, but lose by 7-10 points.

Who are they playing?

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Its kinda like Marvin. Ill believe it when I see it.

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Taylor's not going anywhere in the foreseeable future...UNFORTUNATELY!

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Who are they playing?

at Denver Broncos

[Kingspoint]

Bengals need talent (not that Tobin could recognize that, nor are the Owners willing to do anything about it, so it's kind of a moot point), and here's some talent rumored to be available that the Bengals desperately need (there are so many desperate needs by this team)...

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/09/seahawks-cb-riq-woolen-viewed-as-trade-candidate

"Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen was a surprise success story in 2022, as the fifth-round rookie led the NFL with six interceptions and earned Pro Bowl honors while finishing third – behind top-five selections Sauce Gardner and Aidan Hutchinson – in Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting. Now, however, it is unclear whether he will even play out the final year of his rookie deal with the team that drafted him. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, rival clubs believe Woolen can be obtained via trade in advance of the November 4 deadline. And there are several reasons for that."

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at Denver Broncos

While the Bengals may look much improved, I see a 26-13 loss, and the Bengals never really in it from the start. The good news is that they'll be alone in 2nd place, one game behind the Steelers. They can then try to improve some more and maybe get a little closer to a win next week,...maybe even getting a win.

[KoryMac5]

Good looking first drive stalls out…Bengals up 3-0

[The Operator]

False start my ass

That was encroachment

[KoryMac5]

Saw that coming a mile away…no spy on Nix

[Roy Tucker]

Bengals D played pretty well on the first possession. But this last one, substitutions were late, formations were wacky, and Bengals just looked disorganized with a resulting TD.

[Sea Ray]

False start my ass

That was encroachment

Karras didn’t do a damn thing. Is it just me or do calls like that always go against the Bengals? In the Minnesota game we got flagged for 15 yards and we didn’t even touch the other player


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[Kingspoint]

False start my ass

That was encroachment

What the hell was up with that?

[The Operator]

Hard not to start looking at the league sideways when calls like that happen.

This post was brought to you by FanDuel.

[Reds Freak]

Not much explanation on the Mims penalty either to negate the 40 yard pass play.

[Kingspoint]

That's where every KC Right Tackle has lined up since Maho was drafted. Ask Jones.

[KoryMac5]

Worst coached team in football

[Reds Freak]

Worst coached team in football

Fire Tito. Oh wait, wrong board. ;)

[The Operator]

Back to back delays of game, including one on the punt team, is inexcusable.


Zac’s weaknesses just absolute scream at you when Burrow isn’t around to cover the glaring holes.

[Kingspoint]

What the hell was up with that?

I'm on the phone with the wife (no tv audio) as I am every day from 5:30-6:00, and I get in, "Bengals went for it on 4th-and-2 from midfield, and the Broncos jump offside". I saw the replay to confirm it, but I didn't need to. Then I'm later shocked to see us punting.

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So, he follows a crappy punt with another crappy punt after a delay of game.

Taylor needs fired tomorrow.

Tobin is the one needing fired. They both need to go.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Hard not to start looking at the league sideways when calls like that happen.

This post was brought to you by FanDuel.

The league has influenced games for years. They don't even try to hide it that much now.

[Kingspoint]

This game is over. Bengals are not an NFL team.

[Reds Freak]

Weren't the Bengals the least penalized team in the league for awhile under Taylor? I haven't kept up with it closely enough to know if that's changed recently.

[Kingspoint]

How does a Defense go the first quarter of the season without attempting a blitz?

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Weren't the Bengals the least penalized team in the league for awhile under Taylor? I haven't kept up with it closely enough to know if that's changed recently.

Yes.

[Kingspoint]

:laugh:

[Roy Tucker]

Yeah. Another Bengal whuppin’ is underway.

[Kingspoint]

Go REDS!

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Burrow couldn't save this crap.

[Sea Ray]

This is just a poorly coached team, all the way around. The offense seems to be running in slow motion without Burrow. Browning’s arm is horribly weak. He floats his passes like crazy


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[Redsfaithful]

This feels like the first time Taylor has lost the team. I've seen guys dropping their blocks early and quitting on plays.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Fire Tito. Oh wait, wrong board. ;)

You know how much I think of Tito's managing. Now multiply that disgust by 1,000 and you know what I think of Zac.


Do you guys catch how our head coach declined a penalty, which would have given them more yards than they got on the play ? This guy seriously has no clue how to coach a ballgame.

[Playadlc]

This feels like the first time Taylor has lost the team. I've seen guys dropping their blocks early and quitting on plays.

I'm not there yet, but this game will be telling to see how much resolve they have.

[The Operator]

This is brutal

[MWM]

Another blowout could be the thing the Browns can no longer ignore.

[Playadlc]

Browning is horrible.

[Reds Freak]

These are some weak calls though. Put the flags away, refs.

[Redsfaithful]

Do you guys catch how our head coach declined a penalty, which would have given them more yards than they got on the play ? This guy seriously has no clue how to coach a ballgame.

I noted this too but I think the refs got this wrong. ESPN had them at the 44, then run for no gain, then penalty, then they were at the 49.

[Roy Tucker]

This feels like the first time Taylor has lost the team. I've seen guys dropping their blocks early and quitting on plays.

This, penalties, and both offense and defense look completely disorganized.

Early season Taylor coaching and now he’s lost the team. If it was any other team, he’d be gone by the end of the season.

[Reds Freak]

These are some weak calls though. Put the flags away, refs.

There's a flag every other play. Unwatchable.

[Sea Ray]

What the hell was up with that?

The Broncos didn’t even point at the center. They were pointing at the right side of our line


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[Kingspoint]

I can't watch any more of this crap and this is the only time I have watched them this season.

[Playadlc]

This is the least physical NFL team I've ever seen.

[RiverRat13]

If I could only fire one, I'd still pick Duke over Zac. Things aren't going to appreciably change until there's more talent on the roster.

[The Operator]

I can’t believe firing the DC while not adding any significant talent to the defense and spending your first round draft choice on an edge rusher with 4.5 career sacks in college hasn’t fixed this unit.


Tobin’s plan made so much sense at the time.

[Kingspoint]

Another blowout could be the thing the Browns can no longer ignore.

Seriously. They need to be embarrassed. Hope Den puts up a 50-burger

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If I could only fire one, I'd still pick Duke over Zac. Things aren't going to appreciably change until there's more talent on the roster.

Easily the correct choice.

[Sea Ray]

There's a flag every other play. Unwatchable.

Yep. I’ve checked out. The game’s off on my TV


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[The Operator]

Well how about that.

INT in the end zone.

[Kingspoint]

Tobin got the Demtrius Knight pick correct. But, we all know that. He needs to be made Captain and let him direct the Defense. Stone needs to be released.

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You know the Broncos are still going to score this half, right?

[The Operator]

Good lord lol

[Kingspoint]

Browning is not very bright. He's missed a ton of open Receivers. He couldn't count just now (1 more rusher than blocker), and the checkdown was the 3 Receivers covered by 2 Defenders.

[Kingspoint]

So glad we spent all that money on Hendrickson. He really makes such a positive difference on this team/Defense.

[LiferJim]

So glad we spent all that money on Hendrickson. He really makes such a positive difference on this team/Defense.

Dobbins is going to run wild in the second half, on this charmin soft defense


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[The Operator]

Good grief the stupid penalties

[Kingspoint]

Saw that offside a mile away.

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Go Ducks!

Go Bo Nix!!!

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I don't watch National Fraud League games but I can't imagine there are too many teams as bad, or as poorly coached, as this Bengals team.

[Kingspoint]

There's a Pick-6 coming from Browning on the Bengals' 1st drive of the 2nd Half.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Never thought I'd be saying this in late September but screw the Bengals, I want to see some more Reds!!!

[Kingspoint]

You know the Broncos are still going to score this half, right?
On cue.

Typical Zach. Blames everybody else for his failings. Learns it from the Tobins.

[Roy Tucker]

A woefully bad Bengals half.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

A woefully bad Bengals half.

Fly off to beautiful Maine and forget about these losers.

[Playadlc]

305 yards at half for Denver.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

305 yards at half for Denver.

Mercy.

[Roy Tucker]

Fly off to beautiful Maine and forget about these losers.

Thank you sir. Sounds like a good plan. Have a 4:30 am Uber so I’m going bed. Good luck to all you poor Bengals fans.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Thank you sir. Sounds like a good plan. Have a 4:30 am Uber so I’m going bed. Good luck to all you poor Bengals fans.

Safe travels, Roy. Have a great time.

[Redsfan6272]

305 yards at half for Denver.

good thing they brought in a Defense guru.. what a joke

[CTA513]

That rule is garbage. Wasn't interfered with until he bobbled it multiple times.

[LiferJim]

It may have been time for him to go, but Lou didn’t all of the sudden get bad, his personal did.


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[Redsfaithful]

Game is so good the announcers are talking about the moon. More than once.

[traderumor]

The program has too much evidence of incompetence. With the exception of the 2021 and 2022, the Zac Taylor program has been in the bottom rushing on both sides of the ball. That is the real lack of protection for Burrow, not pass protection necessarily. Can't run the ball, can't stop the run is a failing grade in this sport. It doesn't matter if you have a great QB or its a "passing league," you have to run the ball effectively.

Now, we have excessive turnovers, blowout. Tonight, excessive penalties, can't move the ball. It's painfully obvious that Zac is done, his program is not working, his strategies do not work in this league to perform to the level of the talent on the team.

[Kingspoint]

Horrible Coaching.

[Kingspoint]

Browning's not making himself any money. If he's smart, he'll try to be the backup elsewhere.

[Kingspoint]

There's a common factor among the REDS' and Bengals' hires of players....Stupidity abounds.

[Redsfaithful]

Now, we have excessive turnovers, blowout. Tonight, excessive penalties, can't move the ball. It's painfully obvious that Zac is done, his program is not working, his strategies do not work in this league to perform to the level of the talent on the team.

Great way of putting it.

It's also clear Duke Tobin has no ability to draft better than random chance. He's actually consistently much worse than a rando Twitter person like Joe Goodberry would be.

Like what are you doing at that point as ownership, you're clearly not really trying.

[traderumor]

I am hoping that the big contracts now obligated will force the Brownburns to not only part ways with Taylor and staff, but invest in a legit coaching staff, and not the latest hot young assistant because they work cheap.

What about Bill O'Brien?

[traderumor]

Cliff Kingsbury round two?

[traderumor]

And Browning, I dogged on him in preseason, I was assured he was fine, he did it two years ago, had Chase and Tee, one of the best backups in the league. Welp.

[Kingspoint]

Great way of putting it.

It's also clear Duke Tobin has no ability to draft better than random chance. He's actually consistently much worse than a rando Twitter person like Joe Goodberry would be.

Like what are you doing at that point as ownership, you're clearly not really trying.

Nepotism abounds. If they were running an actual business that involved a product they'd be bankrupt.

[UKFlounder]

Zac sure likes to send the punter out there. It makes no difference to thus outcome, but certainly is symbolic of his attitude

[Stray]

I'm glad the Reds made the playoffs. It lets me temporarily ignore the disaster over here.