Bengals QB Jake Browning blasts Vikings after OT win: 'They never should've cut me'
It's been an improbable month for the Cincinnati Bengals. After quarterback Joe Burrow's season ended in November when he tore his ACL and MCL it looked like Cincinnati's season was doomed. However, journeyman QB Jake Browning has been playing at an elite level and keeps winning games as QB1.
Browning made key plays during Saturday's 27-24 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings to bolster Cincinnati's chances in the AFC wild-card race. The Bengals are now 8-6. On the day, Browning was 29-of-42 for 324 yards with two passing touchdowns and one interception. Browning was particularly clutch when the game mattered the most. A 21-yard touchdown pass from Browning to Tee Higgins with 39 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter tied the game at 24-24 and forced overtime.
The Bengals win was made all the sweeter for Browning because of the opponent. Browning played for the Vikings from 2019-21 and was cut by the team three times during the span.
"There was a little bit more this week," Browning said after the game on Saturday.
Browning went on to say how being cut for the final time by the Vikings felt. Browning was told that he might have a spot on the practice squad and to head to the team hotel and wait for an update.
"I sat in the hotel for a couple hours, not knowing if I had a job or not," Browning said. "Basically, got a call from my agent. [T]hey didn't tell me. I had been there for two years."
Browning was able to get the last laugh and some revenge over Minnesota, greatly impacting the Vikings' chances of winning the NFC North and making the playoffs. Minnesota fell to 7-7 with the loss and the Green Bay Packers are now knocking at their door in the divisional race at 6-7.
"I think right after we made the field goal to win the game I screamed at a camera 'they never should've cut me.'"
It's looking like not only was Browning treated poorly by Minnesota, but the decision to cut him was a poor one as well. Browning now has a 3-1 record as starting quarterback this season. A matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers shows next on the Bengals schedule. Browning's story has been one of the more remarkable ones this NFL season and his production might not be a fluke. He could be the real deal.
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