The Detroit Lions seem to have fully regained their stride in the 2025 season, as a Week 1 defeat has been followed by four consecutive victories. Their Week 5 dismantling of Jake Browning and the Cincinnati Bengals was nothing short of a complete domination from start to finish.

Quarterback Jake Browning has appeared in just three-and-a-half starts this season, yet he already ranks among the league leaders in interceptions with eight. The Lions’ defense had Browning utterly confused throughout the contest, to the point where his starting job could now be in jeopardy.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has reportedly left the door open for a potential quarterback change while Joe Burrow continues to recover. Cincinnati could turn to either Brett Rypien or Mike White after Browning’s repeated struggles and costly turnovers during this latest outing.

If either Rypien or White can offer any sort of upgrade—which seems likely—Browning’s time in the NFL may soon come to an end. The former Washington standout might have taken his final snaps in the league, a testament to just how dominant Detroit’s performance truly was.

Lions embarrass Jake Browning so thoroughly he may never start another game.

Once Joe Burrow returns, he instantly reclaims his role as the unquestioned leader in Cincinnati. If Browning is overtaken by either Rypien or White, he could soon be searching for work as a backup, limited by age and modest physical ability.

New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has done a masterful job replacing new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, devising a game plan that forced Browning into numerous mistakes. With his below-average arm strength, Browning struggled to fit passes into tight windows against Detroit’s aggressive secondary.

Detroit’s defensive line, often criticized in recent years, delivered a statement performance against Cincinnati’s long-maligned offensive front. That level of dominance is precisely what the Lions needed to sustain their growing confidence and momentum.

Browning appeared so rattled by Detroit’s pressure that even the typically patient Bengals front office might be losing faith in him. Sheppard’s defense put him in such a difficult mental and physical bind that, as he approaches 30 years old, Browning’s NFL career could be nearing its end.