Since taking over for the injured Joe Burrow on November 16, Jake Browning has remarkably emulated the former No. 1 overall pick. Stepping in after Burrow suffered a wrist ligament tear, the Washington product has defied the expectations of a typical backup quarterback, showcasing his prowess in a particularly impressive performance last Saturday.
In a remarkable turn of events, Browning led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 27-24 overtime victory, overcoming a two-touchdown deficit at one point in the game. Despite going undrafted as a free agent, Browning has not only proven himself to be a reliable starter but has also garnered attention across the league.
Post-game, Browning shared on his Instagram story an unexpected development: a text from an NFL official requesting a urine test for performance-enhancing drugs. The message, purportedly from “Joe, DCO on behalf of the NFL,” arrived at 4:34 p.m. ET, approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the game, adding a unique twist to Browning’s standout performance.
In his four starts, Browning boasts an impressive 3-1 record, completing 75.9% of his passes for 1,180 yards and six touchdowns. The Bengals’ victory catapulted them from the 10th seed to the No. 6 spot in the AFC, securing a coveted playoff position.
While Browning’s only loss as a starter came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12, he now has an opportunity for redemption in the upcoming matchup. The Steelers, facing uncertainty at quarterback after Mitch Trubisky was replaced by Mason Rudolph in a recent loss to the Indianapolis Colts, dropped to a 7-7 record, falling from the seventh seed to the 12th in the AFC.
The stakes are high for the Bengals, as a loss to the Steelers could see them relinquish their playoff position. The tiebreaker scenario looms large, with the Steelers poised to overtake them in the standings. Browning’s stellar performance, going 29-for-42 with 324 yards in the recent victory, sets the stage for an intense and pivotal rematch against the Steelers in the upcoming weekend.
