The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the top backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
One source believes they have ‘the’ best backup quarterback there.
Browning was ranked first overall by Sports Illustrated among all 32 backup quarterbacks, beating out Gardner Minshew (Las Vegas Raiders), Joe Flacco (Indianapolis Colts), Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons), and Justin Fields (Pittsburgh Steelers).
“Many assumed Cincinnati would falter from the playoff race after Joe Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury with seven games left on the schedule. But the Bengals remained in playoff contention through Week 18 because of Browning’s sensational performances, including a three-game winning streak,” wrote SI’s Gilberto Manzano. “He didn’t just keep the team afloat, he elevated the offense by averaging 276.5 passing yards and completing 70.37% of his passes in his seven starts. He outdueled Trevor Lawrence on Monday Night Football with 354 passing yards and one touchdown.”
Toward the close of last season, CBS Sports ranked Browning as the best backup. Pro Football Network recently ranked him fifth among backup quarterbacks.
Browning concluded the 2023 season with 171/243 completions (70.4%), 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He became an exclusive rights free agent in the offseason, but was signed to a two-year contract that runs through the 2025 season.
While all eyes are on Joe Burrow, it’s comforting to know that the Bengals’ backup plan is adequate to keep the team afloat if he is out.
