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The Cincinnati Bengals may have lost Joe Burrow for what could be a significant time frame, but not everyone is writing them off. Rich Eisen went as far as to say backup Jake Browning is good enough to keep the team alive in the playoff race.
“I don’t think the season’s over for the Bengals. I think Jake Browning is better than maybe a third of the starting quarterbacks in the NFL,” Eisen said.
That is a bold statement, especially considering Browning’s limited experience as a starter. His early performances have shown a few flashes poise and signs of efficiency that could give Cincinnati hope. With Burrow sidelined, Browning’s ability to step in and operate the offense will dictate whether the Bengals remain relevant in a crowded AFC race.
The Bengals’ roster is built to support a quarterback transition. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins give Browning elite weapons on the outside while Chase Brown provides balance in the run game. The defense, though inconsistent, is capable of delivering stops here and there as long as the offense is clicking.
The question is whether Browning can maximize all of the weapons he has as his disposal.
For now, Eisen’s confidence in Browning provides a spark of optimism for Bengals fans. Suggesting he is better than a third of the league’s starting quarterbacks is not only high praise, it sets an expectation that he can deliver with the talent around him.
If Browning can string together wins and keep Cincinnati in the playoff picture, the Bengals will have an unexpected storyline on their hands, one that turns a potential lost season into a tale of resilience.
And if Eisen is right, Browning will not just be a placeholder. He will be a signal caller that could be hearing his name in talks around NFL circles going forward.
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