Jacksonville, Florida Even though Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Bengals, is out for the season, Zac Taylor’s team is still going to be competitive.
Despite losing three straight games, the Bengals are still hoping to qualify for the playoffs. This means that the Jaguars game on Monday night is absolutely necessary to win.
The Bengals still allow far too many big plays to get by. Last week, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett found Diontae Johnson for a 39-yard gain in addition to leaning on Pat Freiermuth in the middle of the field.
It’s difficult to overcome such big plays, especially when Burrow isn’t available for offense.
After spraining his ankle during Friday’s practice, Cam Taylor-Britt will miss the Bengals’ next two games.
To keep explosives to a minimum, they need DJ Turner II, Mike Hilton, Dax Hill, Chidobe Awuzie, and the rest of the secondary.
With Christian Kirk, Travis Etienne, Calvin Ridley, Evan Engram, and Trevor Lawrence leading the Jaguars’ offense, it will be far easier said than done.
The Bengals need to figure out how to lessen Browning’s workload. He is not going to be able to read the defense the way Burrow routinely does.
They will throw the ball because their offense is based on passes. It’s a component of who they are. It will be easier for Browning and the offense to produce if they can find a way to get him into a rhythm early on with easy reads and short throws.
Being effective on the ground is a key component of making Browning’s life easier.
Last week, Joe Mixon completed eight attempts for 16 yards. They have one of the worst running games in the NFL and they need more from Mixon.
In order to support the offensive line, they might use Browning more under center. They might also rely on Chase Brown, a rookie. Last week, he did not take an offensive snap.
On Monday night, expect Mixon and Brown to get their opportunities. Browning and the offense will be in a better position if they can run the ball well.
