Matt’s Take: Bengals are 2-0, but…turf toe

By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

I am refusing to write about the Cincinnati Reds, so let’s dive right into the Bengals.  

At 2-0 to begin the season, typically you would find the city ecstatic, however that is not the case this season. Once again, Cincinnati will find themselves without Joe Burrow likely for three months due to a turf toe injury.  

What is turf toe exactly, you ask? It is a metatarsophalangeal joint sprain and occurs when the big toe is hyperextended. If you are an AJ Green fan, you should know plenty about this injury and how brutal it can be.  

While we can all sit around and point fingers at the offensive line, it’s time we all come to grips with the fact that Joe Burrow is injury prone. While pass protection ranks are terrible during his career, I blame the offensive schemes and unfortunately Burrow’s inability to stay healthy more than anything.  

In 2020, he tore his ACL/MCL/PCL/Meniscus; in 2021, he dislocated his pinky; in 2022, an MCL sprain; in 2023, a torn wrist ligament; and now turf toe. This isn’t counting other minor injuries and this makes last season even more frustrating, as we wasted a full healthy Burrow season.  

Will Joe Burrow return this season? I don’t know, but it might be time to think of a new plan going forward, as relying on Burrow to be healthy is a big ask. I absolutely hate to see this for QB1 and am praying for a speedy and full recovery for our star.  

Quick facts and comments

NFL passing attempts since 2023: Burrow – 1,054, Browning 254. Screen passes attempted: Burrow – 48, Browning – 36. Why do we have such a difference in offensive schemes under Browning?  

Bengals O-Line blocking grade yesterday: With Burrow – 49.9; with Browning – 73.1

In 2023, the O-Line blocking grade was 13 points better under Browning rather than Joe. 

The Vikings game is still winnable. A 3-0 start can still occur and we can really assess Jake Browning with a week of preparation.  

Before we jump on the “sign a quarterback now” wagon, let’s just see how Browning plays. He would likely start for a couple teams in the NFL.  

Ja’Marr Chase had 165 yards with a TD on 14 receptions. It's crazy how that’s become normal from him. If he stays healthy, he will go down as one of the best to ever play at the wide receiver position.  

Jordan Battle and Dax Hill continue to make plays and get turnovers, despite how the game is going for them. 

Samaje Perine, as a surprise to me, looked magnificent returning kicks (ignore the drop). He had 154 total yards on returns on Sunday.  

Mitchell Tinsley reeled in a wild one-handed touchdown grab for his first career touchdown. What a moment for the kid.

Cincinnati has only given up 43 points to opponents in the first two weeks. This is 15 points or better than any other team in the AFC North. Was that on your bingo card?

I still can’t believe the Jaguars went for that fourth down – WOOF!

Don’t lose hope just yet. This team can win without Burrow. Optimism until proven otherwise, it’s all we can do as Cincinnati fans. 2-0!