Ja'Marr Chase is capable of putting up big numbers no matter who his quarterback is, but the Cincinnati Bengals simply aren't the same team without Joe Burrow. The former LSU National Championship winning QB has suffered a plethora of injuries throughout his NFL career, and unfortuantely the injury bug has bitten him yet again this season. Burrow underwent a procedure for turf toe last month and is slated to be out at least two more months recovering.
In Burrow's absence, Jake Browning took over as QB1 in Cincinnati. Despite playing just 4 games, Browning has already thrown 8 interceptions on 124 pass attempts. That has resulted in Chase making tackles on a weekly basis, which is something no football fan wants to see. In an effort to salvage their season, the Bengals have made a trade for veteran QB that will give Chase his third QB of the season through just six weeks.
Bengals acquire Joe Flacco from Browns
The Bengals have made a move to acquire Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati also sent a 6th-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a 5th-round pick. Flacco has bounced around in recent seasons, but has shown he can still sling the ball around. However, his ceiling is extremely limited, and he was off to a rough start this season completing just 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions. Cleveland made the move to start Dillon Gabriel last week, and appear to be sticking with the rookie after sending Flacco to Cincinnati.
The Bengals are set to take on the Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday in Week 5, and Flacco figures to jump right in as Cincinnati's starting QB. The move may not will the Bengals to a deep postseason run, but with the way Browning was playing the Bengals felt that a move was needed.
Cincinnati's offensive line is among the worst in football, so Flacco could have his work cut out for him. But, Cincinnati is among the most pass-happy offenses in the NFL, and could be playing from behind a lot throughout the rest of the season. That could bode well for Chase, who is coming off a 6-catch, 110-yard and two touchdown performance last week against the Lions. On the season, Chase has 32 catches for 374 yards and three touchdowns.
The move to Flacco is still a considerable step down from Burrow, but has a chance to be better for Chase than Browning. Chase has posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his NFL career, and led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) last season. At this point, it seems unlikely that he wins the receiving Triple Crown again, but hopefully he is still plenty capable of putting up solid numbers with Flacco at the helm.