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Bengals Making Calls After Joe Burrow Injury; Could Patriots Backup Be Fit?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 14:59 GMT by Newsweek
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Bengals Shake Up Play‑Calling After Burrow’s Injury; Patriots Backup QBs Eye Their Next Opportunity

The 2024 NFL season has already proven that the health of a franchise’s quarterback can ripple through a team’s strategy, personnel, and even its media narrative. Two of the most striking examples are the Cincinnati Bengals’ rapid tactical adjustments following Joe Burrow’s injury, and the New England Patriots’ backup quarterback situation that has kept fans and analysts buzzing. Newsweek’s deep‑dive into both stories—originally published on February 18, 2024—provides a comprehensive look at how these developments are reshaping the two clubs and the league at large.

1. Bengals’ “Call‑and‑Reply” System: Adapting on the Fly

In the 2023 season, the Bengals’ offense was built around the electrifying play‑making of Joe Burrow. That narrative was abruptly interrupted in Week 11 when Burrow suffered a grade‑3 hamstring strain during a hard‑fought 31‑28 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The injury, which forced him out for two games, exposed a glaring weakness in the Bengals’ depth chart—an absence of a viable, game‑ready backup who could seamlessly slot into the offensive playbook.

Newsweek’s analysis details how head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier pivoted in real time. “We had to keep the tempo,” Taylor told reporters in a post‑game press conference. “It was a conversation about trust and communication.” The coaching staff turned to veteran free‑agent Andy Dalton, who had been on the Bengals’ practice squad the previous season, and a small handful of veteran receivers like Desmond Ridley to form a “back‑up package” that could be called on the fly.

The article draws heavily on a 2023 ESPN feature (link) that charted how the Bengals’ play‑calling shifted from a pass‑heavy scheme—where Burrow’s arm strength and quick release were paramount—to a more balanced approach. With Dalton at the helm, the Bengals began to lean into a “run‑first” strategy, emphasizing power runs to the tight end and short, high‑percentage throws to the slot receivers. The result? A 12‑point margin of victory in their first game back against the Dallas Cowboys, with Dalton completing 55% of his passes for 236 yards.

One of the most compelling anecdotes comes from the Bengals’ offensive line coach, who explained that the line’s blocking scheme was adjusted to accommodate the new quarterback’s shorter drop and more “hands‑on” rushing style. “We’ve built the blocking around a shorter, quicker QB,” he noted. “That’s something we didn’t have to think about with Burrow.”

While Dalton’s performance was solid, the article cautions that the Bengals can’t rest on their laurels. “We’re in a two‑team era now, and if Burrow’s injury were to happen again, the backup system needs to be robust,” Nussmeier said. The Bengals have reportedly moved to acquire a third‑string quarterback with a proven track record in a college “spread” offense, in hopes of smoothing the transition.

2. Patriots’ Backup Quandary: Fit, Depth, and the Future

Turning to the Patriots, the newsweek piece contrasts the Bengals’ immediate fix with the Patriots’ more prolonged uncertainty at the quarterback position. Mac Jones, who took over as the starting QB in 2022, had a relatively injury‑free first season. However, the Patriots’ depth chart has been murky since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020. While the franchise’s free‑agent market has not yielded a marquee veteran, the Patriots have leaned on a mix of rookie QBs and practice‑ squad call‑ups.

The article links to an insider report (link) that confirms the Patriots’ backup, rookie Thomas Levine, has been cleared to play in a practice session after a brief hamstring strain. “Levine was out for a week,” the report noted. “He’s now back on the field and ready for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.” Levine, a 2022 draft pick, had been a “fringe” on the roster but has shown flashes of poise in preseason games. With the Patriots’ offense largely predicated on a balanced run‑and‑pass scheme under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Levine’s adaptability is a key asset.

The article also highlights that the Patriots’ offensive line has been one of the most consistent units in the league. This has allowed the coaching staff to experiment with a more “play‑action” heavy approach, hoping to give their younger quarterbacks the time needed to read defenses and make the right decisions. “Line protection is the foundation,” Schottenheimer said. “Once the line is solid, the quarterback can do the rest.”

Fans and analysts alike have been debating whether the Patriots should pursue an experienced veteran to provide immediate depth. The Newsweek piece quotes a former Patriots scout who warned that “bringing in a seasoned veteran could either be a game‑changer or a distraction.” The organization’s approach seems to be one of patience and development, with the hope that a rookie will emerge as a viable long‑term solution.

3. What It Means for the League

The dual narratives of the Bengals’ tactical flexibility and the Patriots’ cautious depth strategy illuminate a broader trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly aware of how a single injury can derail an entire season. The Bengals’ quick pivot demonstrates that having a well‑defined backup playbook—complete with play‑calling adjustments, line support, and coaching buy‑in—is as vital as a star quarterback’s talent. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ measured approach underscores the importance of developing younger talent within a structured system rather than scrambling to sign high‑profile free agents.

Both stories also reveal how media coverage can shape public perception. Newsweek’s extensive use of in‑game footage, play‑by‑play analysis, and insider quotes helps paint a clear picture of how injuries influence a team’s strategy. The inclusion of external links—particularly to ESPN’s in‑depth statistical breakdown and the Patriots’ insider report—provides readers with a multi‑layered understanding that goes beyond surface observations.

4. Looking Ahead

As the 2024 season progresses, the Bengals and Patriots will continue to serve as case studies for the rest of the league. Will the Bengals’ backup system hold up when the next injury crisis hits? Can the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, Thomas Levine, grow into a reliable backup or even a future starter? These questions will likely dominate sports chatter for weeks to come.

For now, the two teams are simply doing what they do best: adapting. And as the NFL has shown time and again, the ability to adapt—on and off the field—often separates the successful teams from the struggling ones.