Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions in the 4th quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 5, 2025. The Bengals lost 24-37.

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Bengals: Is Zac Taylor Open to a Quarterback Change?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions in the 4th quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 5, 2025. The Bengals lost 24-37.

NFL – Should the Bengals make a quarterback change before it’s too late?

The tension is rising in Cincinnati. After another worrying loss to the Detroit Lions (37–24) in Week 5 of the NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves facing a major dilemma: is it time to move on from Jake Browning before it’s too late?

Browning Struggles as Patience Runs Thin

Thrust into the starting role following Joe Burrow’s toe injury, Jake Browning has struggled to convince anyone he can carry the offense. Against Detroit, he once again showed inconsistency — throwing three interceptions before a late fourth-quarter rally that included three touchdowns. But it was too little, too late. The home crowd made its feelings clear with loud boos as early as halftime, signaling a complete loss of confidence.
Browning didn’t shy away from taking responsibility after the game:

“That was bad football — on my part,” the quarterback admitted in his postgame press conference.

With eight interceptions in four games, the numbers speak for themselves. And this time, even head coach Zac Taylor appears to be losing patience. Asked about a possible quarterback change last week, Taylor brushed off the idea. But after a third straight loss, his tone has shifted dramatically:

“After a game like that, we have to evaluate all of our personnel,” Taylor said after the game.

A telling statement. Once adamant about his “unshakable” faith in Browning, Taylor’s stance now seems far less certain. He still insists his current QB can win games — but no longer rules out an alternative. The Bengals’ depth chart offers few inspiring options, however: Brett Rypien on the active roster, with Mike White and Sean Clifford on the practice squad. None appear to be long-term solutions, but a potential trade could enter the conversation soon.

An Offense That Can’t Get Going

Perhaps the most alarming trend: it’s the third straight week the Bengals have scored just three points through the first three quarters, only to wake up far too late. Even solid late performances from Ja’Marr Chase (110 yards, 2 TDs) and Tee Higgins couldn’t hide the structural issues plaguing this offense. Chase summed it up perfectly:

“Everybody knows what we’re doing. We’ve got to work harder to make things easier for Jake.”

Now, the question is simple: Will Zac Taylor dare to make a quarterback change before next week? The coach has taken responsibility for his part in the team’s struggles, but the NFL is a results business. If the Bengals hope to keep even the faintest playoff hopes alive, they’ll need to act fast.

Bengals

Jake browning

Zac Taylor

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.