Exploring how the Browns can exploit the Bengals
This Sunday the Cleveland Browns (+7) will face the Cincinnati Bengals (-7). To get some insight into some topics from the Bengals’ perspective, we reached out to Cincy Jungle’s Anthony Cosenza and exchanged five questions with him.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Browns are 7-point underdogs against the Bengals.Chris: “What do you think of Jake Browning’s performance as Joe Burrow’s replacement? »Anthony: “Overall, I would say Jake Browning far exceeded expectations through 6.5 games.
Cincinnati ultimately won three games against as many playoff-caliber teams (Jaguars, Colts, Vikings) and suffered two one-possession losses against two others (Steelers, Chiefs), leaving it without Joe in the hunt until the very last week of the year.
Burrow was one of the best results from this difficult situation. Even though Browning has been in the league since 2019, people forget that those six starts and seven total games were his first examples of real NFL action as a backup quarterback.
And this spring, Cincinnati brought in veteran Trevor Siemian to compete for the backup quarterback job, with many thinking he was the favorite over Browning for it.
The only previous photos he had taken were with other backups and/or guys not on NFL rosters during preseason work, so it was impressive to see him score a total of twelve touchdowns (nine passing, three rushing) against six interceptions.
And while he had much more star power on offense than other backups, missing time from both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase further complicated things.As an incoming exclusive rights-free agent, Browning has at least earned himself a nice payday and a permanent spot behind Joe Burrow, who has had injury problems in his short career.
If a team calls, this could become a potential sign-and-trade situation depending on the offer.”Chris: “Unfortunately for Cincinnati, they get eliminated from the playoffs heading into the final week. Do you expect them to play whoever is available or could we see some rested players?Anthony: “That’s a tough question.
Earlier this week, Zac Taylor planted a seed in the media that Chase and Higgins were both dealing with ailments (as has indeed been the case in recent weeks), but it could be a omen that they sit, so as not to do anything for a long time to risk.-term.
Cincinnati suffered some serious long-term injuries a few weeks ago against Minnesota, so this could really be a week of auditions for youth and reinforcements.
Look for rookies Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones to feature heavily on offense, along with Chase Brown and Trayveon Williams at running backs.
There will also likely be a lot of different faces on the defensive line, with the Bengals trying to find rotation players for the future and Trey Hendrickson being a Pro Bowler and on the roster next year.Chris: “A lot of time has passed since Week 1 when these teams last met.
So tell us about an unexpected player who has performed well all season.Anthony: “The emergence of Tanner Hudson at tight end was a nice surprise on offense. He shone during the pre-season with his tall figure (1.80 m, 110 kg) and his large catching radius and also established himself in the regular season.
Like Browning, Hudson was a guy who played on several different teams with very little regular season playing time, but found a nice niche this year.On a roster that includes Chase (who is coming off his third Pro Bowl), Higgins and other weapons, Hudson has recorded a respectable 37 catches this year, the most of his career.
He’s not a game-breaker, but if the Bengals get off to a good start next year, Hudson has a bright future as a very solid No. 2 tight end and red zone weapon for the Bengals.
Chris: “Who is the biggest name on this Bengals roster that the organization needs to decide on this offseason? »Anthony: “I’ll give you two – one on each side of the ball. In attack, it’s Higgins. He’s a great player, has an incredible personality, is an integral part of the locker room and would be the #1 pick for many NFL teams.
However, he has had minor injury issues during his career (he missed seven games in four seasons). four this year) and its representative is known for his tough negotiations (David Muloughetta) with the clubs.
After failing to reach an agreement this offseason, the most likely scenario appears to be the franchise tag, with the decision to “get the gang back together” or trade him a decision from then on.
If things get really bad, he could just leave, but the Bengals also expect Tyler Boyd to enter free agency, which would really thin out the wide receiver group.
Defensively, you have the star run stopper, D.J. Reader. He was easily one of the best players in the NFL and was key to Lou Anarumo’s defensive unit.
Three weeks ago he suffered a torn quadriceps tendon with the Vikings, and the rehabilitation process there is long.
Plus he turns 30 this summer, so it should make a lot of sense to see him return to Cincinnati this season.”Chris: “Betting can be tricky during the final games of the regular season.
The Browns are the underdogs against the Bengals on Sunday (Brows +7 on this question, per DraftKings Sportsbook). Who would you pick against the spread?”Anthony: “I honestly have no idea what to do here.
You could say the Bengals are “playing for pride” and taking it to Cleveland, channeling anger over how this once-promising season ended, but we’re not quite there We’re sure who will rest and who will play for Cincinnati. We also know that the Browns have had the Bengals’ number lately, so the pendulum could swing back.
It seems like Cleveland has a lot of its starters down as they head into the postseason, so I think I’ll go with an ugly low-scoring Bengals win where they fail to cover that spread.
