Excited to see him:good news for Cincinnati Bengals
|With Joe Burrow out of commission, Jake Browning is prepared for an NFL opportunity and says he won’t hide his excitement.
On Thursday, Browning made his NFL regular season debut with a large number of snaps.
Cincinnati —As he gets ready for his first genuine NFL opportunity, Jake Browning has taken over as the Bengals’ starting quarterback. Thursday night marked the conclusion of Joe Burrow’s 2023 season, and on Friday he talked about the new role with the media.
“It may sound strange, but it presents a chance for me,” Browning remarked. “Well, that’s exciting, and I’m sad to see Joe go down. We were obviously close. Furthermore, it doesn’t change the fact that he is a vital member of the team and that it stinks to have him out. However, I believe you already know that I won’t be hiding my excitement for the opportunity.”
Thursday’s 34-20 loss to Baltimore came despite eight touchdowns and 68 yards passing from Browning on just fourteen attempts. His ESPN QBR was 45.9 out of 100. For comparison, Burrow’s 53.5 QBR this season placed him in 18th place.
“Like all of this, it’s an unfortunate situation for our team to be in where one of our best players hurt, but it’s the reality of why you have a backup and why I prepare each week like I need to go in, so I’m excited,” Browning stated. “Excited for the opportunity.”
Joe Burrow Returns To Bengals Practice, Setting Up Heaven In Seven-On-Seven
When Bengals All-Pro quarterback Joe Burrow left the practice field 34 days ago with a strained calf, his locker room had the same reaction as he did after he completed every pass he attempted during sifting a 7-on-7 drill on Wednesday.
“He looked much better than I had anticipated. Trenton Irwin, a wide receiver, said, “I don’t mean to offend. Returning from a month away and not seeing him much for a while… entertaining to watch. incredibly entertaining to watch. inventive throws. He tossed some excellent balls over there. I’m eager to watch him move. He tosses unique balls. He acts in that manner. It’s good to see him back in action carrying out his duties.”
11 on 11 is a long way from seven on seven. Burrow wasn’t bouncing around in the pocket, but after five weeks of alt-control-delete, it’s close enough to get his team fired up for the unexpectedly ten-day opener against Cleveland on September 10.
His tentative appearance on Wednesday does not guarantee that he will start the game against the Browns. However, it does prompt his team to consider swimming the channel.
As slot cornerback Mike Hilton put it, “it’s a good way to get the rhythm in his steps back, knock off the rust, and get back to being Joe.” Hilton was also on Skyline’s inaugural run of new Bengals cups.
“You could see that everyone is much more focused when he’s around. That is the extent of his significance to this group and this company. We are fortunate to have him as our leader and every time he takes the field.”
Burrow’s aura always delivers a positive boost, regardless of whether he’s the face of a league or a cup. That was
(For example, seeing pass rusher Joseph Ossai’s foot in a boot lessened the impact somewhat.)
Center Being the only 30-year-old on the Burrow Bengals, Ted Karras was recently named the NFL dean of the locker room by the team. He claims that practice always seems to pick up a little bit when he’s wearing the uniform. Burrow reacts so fast to coach up the play that Ja’Marr Chase, who has caught more balls from him than anyone else, claims they’re all a little more tuned in when he’s around.
“Extra juice,” commented Tee Higgins, a wide receiver. “His appearance was good. He appeared smooth. Today he threw a dime. I thought, “Oh yeah.” He’s returned.” To Chuck Sizzle, that is. a profound one. Right into the breadbasket, please. Had no option but to grab it. Completely prepared to go.”
Charlie Jones, the rookie wide receiver, would be lined up on the outside, and that would be a go route. Since coming here, Jones hasn’t done much of that, but then again, he hasn’t caught a ball from Burrow in anything other than air routes until Burrow noticed cornerback Allan George pressing him at the line of scrimmage.
It didn’t seem like anyone knew he was returning on Wednesday. Everywhere you look, headlines from the past 34 days have exploded. From a summit at Camp David to Hurricane Idalia and Jonathan Taylor. All across Bengaldom, all except the radio-silent Burrow Bureau.
“I didn’t know until I saw him with you guys,” Karras remarked. “Breaking news for you guys, too.”
Not until he saw him on the Kettering Health Practice Fields did Higgins realize, too: “I was like, ‘Oh, Shiesty’s back.'”
As Hilton peered down the locker room, she heard some snap, crackle, and pop coming from him as he was getting ready for practice. His receivers reported that nothing had changed when Burrow ducked into the huddle. He stated his usual thing.
His Heisman Trophy-winning partner and teammate in the national championship, Chase, is always the go-to person for the JoeyB Barometer. It was the first time, according to Chase, that his receivers had thrown with Burrow since the latter hit four straight passes during a team drill on July 27 before diving out of the pocket.
Chase remarked, “Not much movement, we’ll see.” “I don’t see any hobble. He looks fantastic. He doesn’t appear to be experiencing any mobility issues. That’s encouraging.
“They’re integrating him gradually. Observe his feelings. He has the ability to remain upbeat. He continues to mentor everyone on the side. The most notable thing about him is that. His function as an emir.”
He has done it all, Chase has seen. Until 7-on-7, Will Grier, the quarterback on the new practice squad who arrived from Dallas on Wednesday, had not witnessed him in action.
Fantastic. Grier remarked, “He looked fantastic. “I came here primarily because of him. I believe I have a lot to learn.”
We found out on Wednesday that Burrow is still capable of sorting seven-on-seven. That was sufficient for his locker room after 34 days.