How Jake Browning Stepped Up for a Winning Drive in Joe Burrow’s Absence

After years of slow starts, the Cincinnati Bengals are 2-0 to start the 2025 season. But the flawless record hasn’t come without adversity.

Midway through the second quarter of Cincinnati’s Week 2 date with the Jacksonville Jaguars, QB Joe Burrow was sacked on a second-down dropback and stayed down on the ground with a left toe injury. Burrow’s exit meant the entrance of backup Jake Browning, who is no stranger to stepping in

Browning had to work through some issues to get the timing right with his receivers, but figured things out on the fly. The result was an impressive performance that culminated in a game-winning drive that gave the Bengals a 31-27 win over the Jaguars.

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Here is a closer look at Browning’s performance and why it should instill confidence in Cincinnati as it awaits the fate of its QB1.

Jake Browning stats today

• Comp/Att: 21/32 (65.6%)
• Yards: 241
• TD: 2
• INT: 3
• Rating: 69.9
• Rush attempts: 1
• Rush yards: 1
• Rush TDs: 1

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How Jake Browning led Bengals game-winning drive vs. Jaguars

Browning assumed command of the offense on Cincinnati’s 8-yard line and his team trailing, 27-24, with 3:42 remaining in the game. 

Calmly and coolly, Browning stepped under center and led the Bengals down the field with several key plays. After incompletions on first and second down, Browning made fourth down manageable with a seven-yard connection to Tee Higgins.

With the game effectively on the line on fourth-and-3 from the Bengals’ 15-yard line, Browning connected on a 13-yard pass with RB Chase Brown. It would be the first of two major fourth downs on the final drive.

Four plays later, Browning’s 25-yard pass attempt was broken up, but defensive pass interference was called on rookie CB Travis Hunter. The penalty put the ball in Jaguars territory, setting up first-and-10 from the 42-yard line.

Browning then found Brown for five yards before a 21-yard connection with Ja’Marr Chase to further put the Jacksonville defense on its heels, bringing Cincinnati closer to a win with over a minute remaining in the game.

Passes to Mike Geisecki and Chase, and a run from Brown set up a goal-to-go situation with 57 seconds to play. Despite a goal-line penalty, a tight red-zone pass to Geisicki got the ball on the 1-yard line with 25 seconds left.

Fittingly, it was Browning who crossed the goal line with a “modified tush push” to put Cincinnati up for good with 18 seconds remaining.

BIG TIME BROWNING!!!!!!!

📺: #JAXvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/TdlTGpFfNy

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 14, 2025

The uncertainty around Burrow’s status moving forward is a major cause for concern, but Browning’s performance should inspire some confidence in the interim. His rapport with both Chase and Tee Higgins was evident, and it is worth noting that he posted a 4-3 record as a starter in 2023.

After the game, Browning said, “I felt good to battle through some turnovers and end the game with a win,” adding that his preparation and the skill of the players around him have helped him remain prepared to step up when his number is called.

“We tried it earlier, and I didn’t jump because technically we’re not supposed to… I think I needed Drew [Sample]’s help behind me.”

– Jake Browning on the Bengals’ go-ahead tush push TD (@tiffblackmon) pic.twitter.com/RNCQMZc8Xz

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 14, 2025

Browning spoke with reporters postgame, saying you have to be “delusional” to remain aggressive after multiple turnovers. He added that you “Can’t be afraid of the fourth,” a mentality that should benefit the team as long as he is starting.

As of now, Browning and company will set their eyes on a Week 3 trip to face the Minnesota Vikings.