Sometimes, all someone needs is an opportunity. For Cincinnati Bengals’ Jake Browning, that came in Week 10 following a season-ending injury to Joe Burrow. His time in mop-up duty did not go particularly well against Baltimore. However, Browning played at a higher level once he was given a full week’s worth of practice to prepare. Browning’s performance level as a starter was significantly better, making it hard to argue with his belief that he is a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.

Browning said the following after the Bengals’ 31-17 win over the Browns on Sunday.

“I’m one of the Top 32 quarterbacks in the world and just happen to be on a roster with a guy who’s proven he’s a Top 5 quarterback in the world.”

Granted, this came against Cleveland’s B Team, but his performance in the contest is not an outlier. Browning has completed just under 71.5% of his passes as the Bengals’ starter, throwing for 1,868 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games.

Now, there are going to be people who doubt Browning’s output this season. Cincinnati is a very talented team and has some great options to utilize in the passing game. Going from a group featuring Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to one with less talented options at his disposal could result in a drop in performance.

Teams may be hesitant to acquire the services of Browning following this season. Browning is 27, and there is also the fact that quite a few deals in similar situations have blown up in that new team’s face (Matt Flynn anyone?). This could lead to Browning sticking in Cincinnati for the time being and being Burrow’s backup yet again, and that would not be the worst insurance policy for the Bengals, considering how this season played out.