Zac Taylor to Decide Starting QB by Wednesday
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is set to make a pivotal decision regarding his starting quarterback by Wednesday. This follows a series of disappointing performances from Jake Browning, who has struggled to translate his potential into results on the field.
Zac Taylor’s Evaluation Process
During a recent press conference, Taylor expressed the importance of evaluating all options at quarterback ahead of the upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers. He acknowledged Browning’s accountability for his performance, as well as his own responsibility as a coach.
Jake Browning’s Recent Performance
In the Bengals’ latest game, a 37-24 defeat against the Detroit Lions, Browning completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards, resulting in three touchdowns and three interceptions. This season, he has made four appearances, with three starts. His overall completion rate stands at 65%, accumulating a total of 757 yards, with six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Quarterback Options Available
The Bengals’ roster includes Brett Rypien, who has been with the team since August 27, as well as former Packers QB Sean Clifford and Mike White on the practice squad. All these quarterbacks are relatively new to the organization, adding to the team’s strategic considerations.
Time Constraints in Decision-Making
Taylor emphasized the limited preparation time available during the week leading up to games. “You have so few reps. Every rep is critical,” he noted. With only limited opportunities for each quarterback, establishing a competition throughout the week proves to be unrealistic.
- Current Quarterback Stats:
- Browning: 65% completion rate, 757 yards, 6 TDs, 8 INTs
- Game against Detroit: 26 completions, 40 attempts, 251 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs
- Rypien: Team’s longest-serving backup
Final Decision on Starting QB
As the Bengals prepare for their next game, Taylor plans to finalize the starting quarterback decision by Wednesday. This timely evaluation is crucial for ensuring the team is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.
