Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning continued to struggle in Week 5, and one statistic that went viral during the game summed up how challenging things have been for the team since Joe Burrow went down.
Browning threw three interceptions in the first 31 minutes of Cincinnati's game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Two of the passes were intended for Ja'Marr Chase.
On all three of the picks, Chase is the player who made the tackle for the Bengals. At one point in the second half, Chase was actually tied for the most tackles on his team.
Chase had three tackles in the game, all of which came in the first three quarters.
Wild: #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase is currently tied for the team lead in tackles today with 3 — all coming on Jake Browning interceptions. pic.twitter.com/rVCaVBBzP8
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 5, 2025
Browning is now 0-3 since taking over as the starting QB in place of Burrow, who suffered a foot injury in Week 2. He has thrown eight interceptions in four games this season. Browning's only turnover-free game was in Week 4, when he completed just 14-of-25 passes for 125 yards in a 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos.
On Sunday, Browning completed 26-of-40 passes for 251 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Anything positive he did came in garbage time after the Lions were in complete control of the game.
In the days leading up to Sunday's game, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters he has "a ton of confidence" in Browning. Taylor also said the Bengals have no plans to add another veteran quarterback.
Things will not get any easier for the Bengals in Week 6, when they travel to Green Bay to face the Packers. With Burrow expected to miss most of the season, Taylor might have no choice but to make a QB change if he wants to avoid losing the locker room.
Chase has already been seen looking very frustrated on the sidelines amid Browning's struggles. The easiest way to lose games in the NFL is by turning the ball over, and Browning has done plenty of that. Fans have seen enough of Browning, and the feeling inside Cincinnati's locker room is probably similar to that of the fan base.
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