Cincy Jungle
Well, we are all happy, right?
The Cincinnati Bengals finally started off the season 0-2 in the Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor era. Surely nothing will ruin that storyline.
Okay, so this will be Jake Browning’s first start of the season in place of the injured Burrow, who had surgery on his toe following last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They aren’t alone in starting a backup, though; the Minnesota Vikings will have Carson Wentz under center to welcome the Bengals to town.
Cincinnati has been led by its defense this season. Not in the way that they have been overly dominant statistically. They have been able to get turnovers and timely stops to keep the team in the game, unlike last season. To Browning’s credit, even though last week was a bit of a roller coaster with two passing touchdowns and three interceptions, it was ultimately a drive he took from inside the Bengals’ 10-yard line that resulted in him diving over the offensive line for a touchdown that won the game. If he can cut down on those interceptions with a week of practice to work on timing, it could lead to a 3-0 start.
The Vikings had an incredible comeback to start the season, where J.J. McCarthy scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to defeat the Chicago Bears. Then they lost 22-6 to the Falcons in a game where they took a real beating. That beating will cost them McCarthy this week, at least. They will also be without starting running back Aaron Jones. They still have the second-best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson, who will be the first serious test for these defensive backs who haven’t seen a true wide receiver one yet this season.
Can the Bengals keep building up a cushion for Burrow’s hopeful return?
