CINCINNATI – After a tough 37-24 loss against the Detroit Lions, Bengals coach Zac Taylor hinted that a change at quarterback might be on the horizon. Jake Browning struggled, throwing three interceptions before making a late push with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
“We need to evaluate why the offense isn’t clicking,” Taylor said. “It’s a fair question given the turnovers.” Browning’s performance raised concerns as fans expressed their frustration during the game.
Browning completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards, but most of his success came after Cincinnati was already down. His first interception occurred during an attempt to reach Ja’Marr Chase, showing the pressure he faced early on.
In four games this season, Browning has thrown eight interceptions. Last year, in place of the injured Joe Burrow, he tossed seven in nine games. Browning acknowledged his struggles: “I need to pick my spots better. I threw three terrible picks—and I can’t hide from that.”
Despite the setbacks, Coach Taylor still showed some support for Browning, saying he believes he can win games. “We’ll explore our options,” he added, hinting that the Bengals have other quarterbacks available, including Brett Rypien on the active roster and Mike White and Sean Clifford on the practice squad.
The Bengals’ offense has not been consistent. In their last three games, they’ve scored just three points in the first three quarters combined. This pattern has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike, with many calling for a change to revive the struggling team.
Despite the gloom, there were highlights. Chase caught six passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Tee Higgins also contributed with a late score. After the game, Chase remarked, “It’s tough when defenses know what we’re doing. We must work harder to get the ball to us and help Jake.” His comments reflect a common sentiment on social media, where fans have echoed the need for better strategies to support the quarterback.
As the Bengals regroup, many are left wondering: will a quarterback change be the turning point they need? Taylor’s evaluation in the coming days will be crucial as the team seeks solutions to get back on track.