With QB Joe Burrow sidelined by injury, the Cincinnati Bengals are in deep trouble. An analyst has now claimed that Zac Taylor has no choice but to keep gambling on the 28-year-old.
Speaking with The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former NFL player and analyst Julian Edelman summed up the concern, saying, “Everyone knows they’ve got to throw the ball vertically to win. They don’t have a defense that’s going to get them turnovers. They have zero run game. So there’s a built-up pressure for Joe Burrow to have to make plays.”
Reflecting on Burrow’s damage, Edelman pointed out how much the Bengals rely on him, and how quickly things fall apart when he is not on the field. “You know when Burrow got hurt, that’s you kind of double back and you’re going in, there’s people on the ground.”
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The analyst pointed out that the Bengals’ system puts Joe Burrow in risky, high-volume situations. That was clear in Week 2 vs. Jacksonville, when Burrow was sacked by Arik Armstead and left the game. What looked minor turned serious, Monday’s reports confirmed turf toe surgery, sidelining him for at least three months.
During Monday’s presser, head coach Zac Taylor showed concern and said they’ll stay aggressive but focus more on better protecting players. “It’s going to be very attacking of us and our style of play that’s got us to a Super Bowl and an AFC Championship and two division titles and won a lot of games for us. We are always evaluating how we can protect our players and put them in the best position possible. I take accountability for that.”
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Taylor’s system relies on Burrow’s quick decision-making, using a pass-heavy offense with multiple receivers. It can lead to big plays, but also leaves Burrow exposed to frequent hits.
The Bengals’ roster gives them few options, no run game, shaky guard play, and a defense that can’t force turnovers. Their best shot at winning is through Burrow, but cap decisions like Tee Higgins’ big contract have limited spending on O-line help.
Burrow prefers shotgun, more receivers, and keeping his eyes on the defense, so the offense is built around him. But it’s tough on his body. Though labeled “injury-prone” since his rookie ACL tear, most of his major injuries came from routine plays, not big hits.
The QB has faced some of the NFL’s highest pass-rush rates since 2020. While stronger protection and a better run game could help, injuries can still happen anytime. As Begals’ offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said after the latest setback, “It’s a really unfortunate outcome to a standard football play. I wish it didn’t happen. I feel terrible for Joe.”
With the 28-year-old now sidelined, the spotlight now shifts to his backup.
Joe Burrow’s backup
For now, the Bengals are forced to rely on Jake Browning, the same quarterback who filled in admirably during Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury in 2023, going 4-3 in relief. He stepped in again against the Jaguars after Burrow’s latest injury, completing 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Browning’s promotion from backup to QB1 was immediate. ”We’ll continue to put the best plan forward to put Jake in a great position to go help us beat Minnesota,’‘ Taylor said. The depth chart behind Browning has also changed quickly. Veteran Brett Rypien, who started on the practice squad, was elevated to the active roster to be QB2.
Cincinnati, in turn, signed Mike White to the practice squad in order to solidify the quarterback room and offer contingency plans. The series of moves reflects just how desperate the Bengals are to have continuity as their star rehabs.
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This re-jiggering demonstrates a franchise in limbo. It demonstrates front-office agility and desire to make changes in the moment on one hand. It’s a harsh reminder of how slim the Bengals’ error tolerance is without Burrow.
But with each new injury, Cincinnati is forced to ask the same questions: Is it worth it? Can Burrow’s genius be allowed to flourish without damaging his health?