The Bengals are down bad without Joe Burrow, and it shows.
With Jake Browning under center, the offense just hasn’t delivered, and frustration is starting to build.
At 2–2, the season is hanging in the balance, and with upcoming games against the Lions, Packers, and Steelers, things could spiral quickly into a 2–5 hole.
That’s why Cincinnati needs to look outside for help.
A few names make sense:
Jameis Winston
Jimmy Garoppolo
Russell Wilson
Andy Dalton
This roster is too talented to let the season waste away.
Burrow will be back, but until then, the front office needs to give this locker room a chance.
Cincinnati’s 2025 NFL season was supposed to be a statement year — a declaration that the Bengals were not just a one-year wonder, not just a good team with a great quarterback, but a legitimate Super Bowl contender built to last. Instead, through four games, the story has been one of frustration, inconsistency, and a painful reminder of just how much one player can mean to a franchise.
At 2–2, the Bengals are clinging to relevance. But anyone who’s watched them play knows the reality: without Joe Burrow, this team simply isn’t the same.
Life Without Burrow: The Struggles Are Obvious
Jake Browning, thrust into the starting role after Burrow’s injury, has done what he can. He’s smart, steady, and confident — but he’s not that guy. The offense, once known for its rhythm and explosion, has sputtered under his command.
Through four games, Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league in total offense and points per game. Ja’Marr Chase has been visibly frustrated on the sidelines, Tee Higgins’ production has plummeted, and Joe Mixon has faced stacked boxes all season long. The offensive line, already a concern, looks even more vulnerable without Burrow’s quick release and pocket awareness.
What’s worse? The frustration is starting to show. Coaches are tense. Players are emotional. Fans, once full of hope, now watch nervously as each drive ends with another punt or field goal attempt.
The Season Hangs in the Balance
The Bengals are 2–2, but the schedule ahead is brutal. The next three games — against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers — could define their season.
Each of those teams boasts a strong defense and an ability to exploit offensive mistakes. If Browning can’t elevate his game, Cincinnati could easily find itself sitting at 2–5, buried in the AFC North standings, and facing an uphill climb to playoff contention.
And with the AFC being as competitive as ever — Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs humming, Lamar Jackson’s Ravens looking fierce, and the Dolphins and Bills dominating offensively — there’s no margin for error.
That’s why the front office needs to act. Fast.
The Case for Bringing in Help
This Bengals roster is too talented to waste. The defense, led by Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Logan Wilson, has done its part. The secondary, though young, has shown promise. But without competent quarterback play, all of that effort goes to waste.
If Cincinnati wants to keep its season alive until Burrow returns, they need a capable veteran who can steady the ship.
Here are a few realistic options:
1. Jameis Winston — The Risk and Reward Option
Winston might be the most intriguing name on the list. He’s volatile — capable of throwing four touchdowns or four interceptions in the same game — but he’s also fearless. With weapons like Chase, Higgins, and Mixon, the Bengals could tailor a simplified, aggressive offense around him.
Winston’s experience and arm strength could immediately open up deep opportunities that Browning simply can’t. For a team that needs a spark, Winston’s boldness might be exactly what the locker room needs.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo — The Game Manager
Garoppolo isn’t flashy, but he wins. He’s been to a Super Bowl, he understands complex offenses, and he can keep a team composed.
For the Bengals, Jimmy G would be a stabilizer — someone who can execute a run-heavy game plan, lean on the defense, and keep games close. He’s not a long-term fix, but he’s a steady short-term bridge who could keep Cincinnati competitive until Burrow’s return.
3. Russell Wilson — The Redemption Story
Wilson’s name still carries weight. After a disappointing stint in Denver, he’s eager for another shot at relevance. And in Cincinnati, he’d get to throw to arguably the best receiving trio in the league.
He may no longer be the MVP-caliber quarterback he once was, but his leadership, mobility, and experience could give the Bengals the veteran presence they desperately need. Wilson could thrive in a system that asks him to make smart throws, extend plays, and keep defenses honest.
4. Andy Dalton — The Familiar Face
Bringing back Andy Dalton might sound like nostalgia, but it also makes sense. Dalton knows Cincinnati. He’s a respected veteran who can pick up an offense quickly and manage games effectively.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he won’t self-destruct either. For a short-term fix, familiarity and stability can go a long way — especially in a locker room trying to hold things together.
The Locker Room Deserves a Chance
Cincinnati’s players haven’t quit — not yet. But morale is fragile. Every missed throw, every stalled drive, every loss chips away at the belief that this team can still make a playoff run.
The defense can only carry so much weight before fatigue and frustration set in. The offense can only take so many three-and-outs before tension builds.
This isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about keeping the spirit of the team alive until Burrow returns. The Bengals have built something special over the past few years. Letting it crumble because of one injury would be a mistake.
The Window Is Still Open — But Closing Fast
The Bengals are built to win now. Burrow, Chase, Higgins, Mixon, Hendrickson, Hubbard — these are cornerstone players in their prime. Windows in the NFL don’t stay open forever, and the AFC’s elite are only getting stronger.
Waiting passively, hoping Browning can somehow carry the load, risks wasting an entire season of potential. If Cincinnati wants to maintain its reputation as one of the league’s top franchises, they need to make a move.
A bold one.
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Season Slip Away
Joe Burrow is the heart of this franchise, no question. But football is a team sport, and teams that endure are the ones that adapt.
Cincinnati doesn’t need a star — just someone who can keep them competitive, someone who can get the ball to their playmakers and keep the season afloat.
Whether it’s Winston, Garoppolo, Wilson, or Dalton, one thing is clear: the Bengals must act before it’s too late.
Because without Joe Burrow, the Bengals aren’t just d
own bad — they’re one more loss away from watching their Super Bowl dreams fade before November even begins.