Let me preface this by saying I think Burrow is the best QB in the NFL, especially once November hits.

So, I won't stand for any nonsense that says Jake is a better QB than Joe overall, but there are some questions to consider I think when it comes to how the Bengals offense operates with Browning under center vs Burrow. 🤔

- Does Joe hold the ball longer in order to make a big play and this stresses the OL too much?

- Does Zac call a different more conservative game with Jake and that in turn leads to better results? More blockers are kept in, whereas Joe likes 4 and 5 WR.

- Does Joe change Zac's plays a lot and Jake simply runs what is called?

- Do the other Bengals players step up and play better without Joe in the game because they know Superman is not back there to save the day?

- Are players more afraid to make a mistake because Joe is so demanding and perfectionist, so when Jake comes in they play freer and without fear?

- Does Jake try throws that Burrow wouldn't (hence today's 3 interceptions) but that ultimately wins the day as too much caution limits this offense and how teams play with deep cover 2? Does Joe protect the ball too well and we need more risky throws from him?

- How much did Jake benefit from a lack of tape on him, whereas teams are studying everything Burrow does and scheming against him? Will next week's D now plan for Jake and the magic ends as he comes back down to earth?

The defense has to play the run when Burrow is out. Can't say whose fault that is but it makes the OL's job a lot easier.

I also noticed as soon as Joe went out the Jags went to man coverage and cover zero blitzes, which they never give Joe as he will carve that up.

Don’t overthink it: it is the same offense regardless of who is at QB. QB1 decides what QB1 wants to do…QB2 does what ZT-Pitcher wants to do… but they are the same plays

^ Jake post-game ... He makes it clear he did Zac's calls

Hope thats not the case but if we have to ride with Browning we have a shot hes the best back up in the NFL

Joe B, despite his greatness, seems to scramble himself into very precarious & dangerous situations.

27 minutes ago, saphead said:

Joe B, despite his greatness, seems to scramble himself into very precarious & dangerous situations.

That tends to happen when defensive linemen are running free in the backfield.

Or are we going with "it's Joe's fault Joe keeps getting injured" ?

Not to take anything away from JB#2 but Chase put this team on his back and carried them over the finish line. We just need someone that can get him the ball.

50 minutes ago, New Jersey Bengal said:

Hope thats not the case but if we have to ride with Browning we have a shot hes the best back up in the NFL

Yep.

1 hour ago, Jamie_B said:

Being in a walking boot and on crutches would hinder Joe's mobility in the

pocket and the O line would really have to step up.

this is a great thread. I don't know enough to know offenses but its clear that

1. Burrow has less time in the pocket

2. Players are running wide open for Browning

   Is that Burrows fault? The Playcallings fault? Or the defenses fault? I don't know. But its obvious to me that Browning isn't dealing with the cluttered pocket that Burrow is.

🤷‍♂️ I can't really answer any of those questions. Every facet is dependent on the others.

1) Chase Brown is a good running back. Not great.

2) I'd say the defense is trending the right direction, but the bar couldn't be lower.

3) The o line, sigh, it's all been said.

4) Ja'Marr Chase is possibly the most talented player in the NFL.

We're damn lucky to be 2-0. Could easily be the other way around. They haven't played well, but they've made enough plays and caught a couple breaks.

If Burrow's turf toe is not too serious, this could actually work out. They'll have at least a couple weeks of having to address deficiencies, some still pretty glaring unfortunately. Would love to see some more creativity in all fazes on offense to keep Joe upright when he returns. Whatever it takes. He's too good and Zac and the coordinators really need to adjust to what is, rather than whatever their vision seems to be (at least to date), cause it ain't working and our best player is regressing a little and ending up on his ass way too much.

Reason for optimism ?

Need some Browning wife shots

10 hours ago, T-Dub said:

That tends to happen when defensive linemen are running free in the backfield.

Or are we going with "it's Joe's fault Joe keeps getting injured" ?

The offense not only looked better with Browning yesterday, but he also stayed pretty clean. You didn't catch yourself at all yesterday saying "throw it away Joe!"?