The Chicago Bears stay on the road this week, this time heading to Cincinnati for a matchup with the Bengals. While they've struggled to win games, their offense remains one of the most potent in the NFL. That remains true even without Joe Burrow. Veteran Joe Flacco was traded for three weeks ago by the Bengals and has put up seven touchdowns and no interceptions in three games. He's played really well, thanks in large part to Cincinnati's stacked group of wide receivers. One would think that continues against a Bears defense missing its top four cornerbacks due to injuries.
However, things may not go as expected on Sunday. Ian Rapoport revealed on Wednesday that Flacco is dealing with a somewhat significant injury to his throwing shoulder. He suffered it during the loss to the New York Jets. While he did return to the game, it appears the issues have worsened since then. Though considered day to day, it sounds like Flacco's status against the Bears is iffy. If he can't go, backup Jake Browning will get the start, and that would be a massive break for Chicago.
No Joe Flacco drastically improves the Bears' chances to win.
Browning started three games this season. It didn't go well. He threw six touchdowns and eight interceptions. That doesn't bode well against a Bears defense that has a knack for taking the ball away. Joe Flacco is better about protecting the football and understands the basic goal of any offense: get the ball to the best players. He understands all he has to do is throw to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Things should work out. Browning can't do those things with any consistency.
Chicago should be able to score in this game. Cincinnati's defense is terrible. They can't stop the run, and their best pass rusher is hurt. It feels like 27 points should be the floor of what Caleb Williams and company can accomplish in this game. No doubt they're motivated after that frustrating performance in Baltimore. If Flacco can't go, don't be surprised if Dennis Allen attacks Browning with waves of exotic blitzes.
