Bengals lean on Browning as Burrow’s toe injury pushes the offense into a cautious, grow-and-go mode, while Al Golden reshapes the defense for third downs. The plan centers on balance between rush and coverage, with Stewart’s health uncertain and Ossai/Myles Murphy ready to step up. Cincinnati has forced turnovers early, but must tighten third-down execution to sustain the 2-0 start.

Turnovers remain the defense’s identity, led by Hill and Battle, even as the offense searches for rhythm. A matchup with Minnesota looms, making a quick, cohesive unit critical as the young DBs and Hendrickson keep pressuring Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ scheme, hoping to ride momentum through Burrow’s absence.