The Bengals returned to work Monday after a phony bye, sounding a little better after Friday’s bad news, which included Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow’s season-ending torn wrist ligament.
Perhaps they’re channeling Virgil Carter when it comes to late-game playoff runs with a backup quarterback. Carter went to the same Folsom High School in California as Jake Browning and led the Bengals to the 1970 AFC Central title by winning the final seven games as the Bengals improved from 1-6 to 8-6.
Browning is now the starting quarterback for the 5-5 Bengals, who face the 6-4 Steelers at Paycor Stadium on Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) in the midst of a playoff run.
Much like Carter was the man 53 years ago when 1969 AFL Rookie of the Year Greg Cook was unable to answer the bell for the 1970 opener due to a shoulder injury, and Bengals founder Paul Brown pulled off a trade with the Bears for Carter three weeks before the season began, despite Carter having only seven starts in his two NFL seasons.
Perhaps they had summoned The New York Times’ playoff forecaster. Dan Hoard, the Voice of the Bengals, has always been resourceful.
Hoard discovered with wins in their remaining home games against the Steelers (quarterbacked by Kenny Pickett), the Colts (Gardner Minshew II), the Vikings (Josh Dobbs) and the Browns (Dorian Thompson-Robinson), their playoff chances are better than 50%. Add a win in Pittsburgh Dec. 23, and their chances rise to 91%, Hoard says.
“This is something that this team has always done.” “Block out the noise and concentrate on week to week,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “You’ve seen this team go through a lot this season and in previous seasons.” One thing you can count on is that they will always respond appropriately. They’re made of good stuff. Making sure of the character you get in there is a big part of building this team. I’m looking forward to returning to work this week. I believe we all felt pretty revitalized after that weekend. “I’m just excited to get back on the field and play a game on Sunday.”
NO JOE: Taylor says Burrow won’t be back at any point this season, and he expects him to go on injured reserve this week. Until he’s expected to have surgery, Burrow said Friday he’s going to be in the building. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, freshly shorn without his varying degree of beard and vowing a fresh start, said Burrow was at Monday’s walkthrough. And, duly noted.
“It’s a new territory for him because the last time he was really hurt he was gone,” said Callahan. “This is very different from the ACL injury (in 2020).”
“He was there (Monday), listening and paying attention.” I’m still committed. In a walkthrough, you don’t provide much guidance. But he was still paying attention, standing with the quarterbacks, and his presence was as noticeable as anything. Simply because he is the quarterback of the football team, the franchise. His presence carries significant weight. And having him around still matters to me. His demeanor and attitude, I believe, help everything, even if it’s only for a brief moment during a walkthrough.”
CALLAHAN COURT: Callahan indicated that there could be two discernible differences with Browning present.
Running back Joe Mixon has carried 20 times or more in one game this season, so that could change.
“I’m sure he’ll get a few more touches.” It’s on a weekly basis. “It’s difficult to say what that looks like,” Callahan said. “It’s difficult to make definitive statements one way or the other.” But I think we’ve done some good things in the run game, and we’ll have to do more of it if we want to win more of these games.”
Browning’s first snap on Thursday night came under center, a formation that Burrow rarely uses. However, Browning has more experience with it, having entered the league with a Minnesota offensive staff led by Gary Kubiak and Kevin Stefanski.
“We’ve been doing a little bit here and there,” said Callahan. “Some of that stuff gives him a lot more comfort.” He spent some time in Minnesota with Gary Kubiak and that offense system, so he has some experience with it that will likely serve him well. But he still plays in the same mold as Joe. He is more effective from the (shot) gun. He notices it. The majority of quarterbacks prefer it, but we’ll have a good healthy mix of it.”
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