(Cincinnati) Matt Canada is no longer there. The Pittsburgh Steelers wish their difficult season on offense was a thing of the past too.
Joe Burrow is no longer here. The Cincinnati Bengals wish their playoff hopes hadn’t left them along with their No. 1 quarterback.
The American North Division rivals will have the opportunity to set the table for the rest of their season when they face off on Sunday. The loser risks having a difficult journey to stay in the race in this competitive section.
The Bengals (5-5) may already be on that winding road. With Burrow’s season over due to a wrist injury suffered last week in Baltimore, the head coach must turn to the inexperienced Jake Browning, who will make his first start against the Steelers (6-4).
“Every team faces adversity in this league. Every team loses players, Taylor said. We must rely on the strength of our locker room and find ways to win. »
Browning was on the practice squad for several seasons before earning the backup job last camp.
“We believe in Jake,” Taylor assured. That’s why he’s here and that’s why he’s getting this opportunity. »
It’s the same thing on the Pittsburgh side, where Eddie Faulkner was promoted to offensive coordinator this week after Canada was fired. This is the first significant mid-season change for the Steelers since World War II.
Considering the Steelers are near the bottom in most offensive stats, they’re lucky to be third in their division and within reach of a playoff spot, at least for now. Their six victories have been achieved by eight points or less.
“You might think it’s a good record, but this is the NFL,” Steelers running back Najee Harris said. Winning like we did won’t get us anywhere. »
The Steelers lost to the Cleveland Browns 13-10 as the latter were led by rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who produced a game-winning drive in the final minutes of the game.
A week later, they faced the unknown again against Browning.
Browning, 27, went undrafted in his year of eligibility in 2019 and ended up on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. He joined the Bengals’ practice squad in 2021. With Burrow slowed by a calf injury last camp, Browning edged out the more experienced Trevor Siemian for the No. 2 job.
After appearing in six preseason games over two seasons, Browning was used briefly in Week 1, attempting a pass. Replacing Burrow against the Ravens, he completed eight of 14 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s built for this,” said offensive lineman Jonah Williams, who played in high school with Browning. He is always in control of his emotions. »