Bengals Training Camp Preview: QB
Players:
9. Joe Burrow
6. Jake Browning
11. Logan Woodside
10. Payton Thorne
The Bengals have found themselves in a position over the last two decades-plus where they did not have to worry much about the QB position. They had Carson Palmer under centre, and when his time in Cincy was up in 2011, it was a direct transition to Andy Dalton. Then, when the Bengals got the first overall pick in 2020, they were able to select Joe Burrow who, like Dalton, was able to take over right away.
Burrow is not only the team’s franchise QB, but a top 2-3 QB in the league. Coming off a season ending injury in 2023, Burrow came back better than ever last season, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy and vintage escapability. He is locked into his spot, and Bengals fans will continue to hope for a clean bill of health going forward.
Browning is also locked into his role, and will again serve as Burrow’s top backup. It was Browning who filled in after Burrow went down in 2023. It was a challenging spot, but he managed to help keep the Bengals in the hunt right until the final week of the season, and helped the club maintain a winning record, at 9-8.
After the top two spots, we may see a camp battle take place to determine who is the third string guy. Woodside will enter camp as the favourite. He is a veteran of the league who has some playing experience. Thorne, a rookie UDFA, will look to challenge him. The rookie can make plays with his legs, but still needs development as a passer. If he can hit the ground running, and have a good showing in camp/preseason, he might just be able to pry away the job from Woodside.
In all likelihood, the Bengals will only be keeping 2 QB’s on the active roster. With those spots going to Burrow and Browning respectively, it means that Woodside and Thorne will be battling it out for a spot on the practice squad. They’ll also have to perform well to fend off any potential free agent addition made after final cuts.
Featured Image Via: Alexander Jonesi (CC)