Jake Browning has the ultimate chance to silence a conversation that's grown louder since the Bengals' last game

Monday night is more than just the fourth game on the Cincinnati Bengals' schedule. It's a second chance for Jake Browning to look like the answer the Bengals need at quarterback.

Browning's first start didn't go as planned. Cincinnati lost by a franchise-record 38 points and Browning tossed two costly interceptions in the loss. He's got five INTs on 59 pass attempts since taking over for Joe Burrow in the middle of Week 2. Even when all turnovers are treated the same, his EPA/play ranks 32/34 qualifying QBs leading up to Monday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Inside the locker room, there's belief in the backup who posted a 4-3 record when he took over for Burrow two years ago. There's also intrigue outside the facilities in the team trading for a new QB to take over instead. That intrigue began even before Browning's first start two Sundays ago.

Another discouraging performance, especially in primetime against an AFC playoff hopeful, will only increase that intrigue from a national standpoint.

Jake Browning can put an end to trade rumors with strong showing vs. Broncos

Cincinnati acted this offseason like a team primed for a postseason return. A 2-1 record through three weeks positions the club towards a playoff berth more than any of the last previous three seasons. With hope of the defense continuing a slow, but steady progress towards improvement, playing meaningful January football is on the table for the Bengals.

But not if the play under center isn't up to snuff.

Following Browning's forgettable afternoon in Minnesota, the Bengals became one of the subjects of a potential Russell Wilson trade. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported over the weekend that Wilson is "expected to emerge as a trade candidate" in the coming weeks after he was benched by the New York Giants for first-round pick Jaxson Dart. Cincinnati's current situation with Browning put them in the forefront of the conversation.

“The Bengals are currently the only team to lose their starting QB for an extended period after Joe Burrow underwent toe surgery that is expected to sideline him at least three months. A total of 59 quarterbacks started games in 2024, however.” — NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo

Jake Browning 2025 Stats

• 67.8% completion percentage
• 381 yards (6.5 yards per attempt)
• 3 touchdowns
• 5 interceptions

The timing here matters as Browning was in a similar spot in 2023. His first start was abysmal as the Bengals mustered just 10 points in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His second start came on the road for another "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cincinnati posted 34 points in an overtime win thanks to Browning's 354 yards on 32 of 37 passing. It remains his highest-yardage output of his career, and the night sealed confidence in him going forward.

That very confidence has him back in the same spot. Eight days have passed since the Vikings loss, and Cincinnati is on the road again for a MNF contest in Denver. The Broncos will also make it very tough with a great pass-rushing defensive front and a secondary led by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

A convincing game against that defense could go a long way for Browning, but if he can't deliver, the noise surrounding his security will only grow louder.

The Bengals can't throw away their season this early, not after scratching clawing to their only 2-o start in the Zac Taylor era. Browning will have the stage, a mile high above sea level, to silence any and all trade speculation for now.