BB.They’re No Joke’: Lions Secondary Earns Surprising Respect From Bengals Ahead of Week 5 Clash

Jake Browning is not having a fun time as of late.

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has stepped into a tough situation, coming on in relief of star quarterback Joe Burrow who is down for three months with turf toe. Browning, a 29 year old veteran, has been struggling to spark a Bengals offense that could’ve been, on paper, one of the most electric in the NFL in 2025.

Instead, they’re one of the worst.

Ranked 32nd in total offense and 30th in passing headed into their bout with the Lions, the Bengals are relying heavily on Browning to piece something worth getting excited about together against a tight Detroit secondary. That’s something he’s extremely aware of, especially given the flowers he gave the Lions defense ahead of the game on Sunday.

Browning praises Lions secondary ahead of Week 5

Lions team reporter Tim Twentyman shared that Browning told reporters this week that the Lions’ secondary has impressed him beyond belief, partially indicating some fear headed into the game on Browning’s part.

“Asked what he’s seen from Detroit’s defense on tape this week, Browning said one of the things that really stands out is how the Lions secondary really comes up and challenges at the line of scrimmage in the pass game. He talked about the front seven for the Lions being very good and the defensive backs being ‘scrappy as hell.’ He called out cornerback Amik Robertson in particular in that regard.”

Browning is currently posting a 42.4 QBR along with three touchdowns, five interceptions, and 506 passing yards in three games played so far for Cincinnati. The same issues that were plaguing the Bengals before Burrow’s injury continue to plague Browning – their offensive line just completely struggling to contain any pass rush.

But, to Browning’s point, the Lions’ secondary could pose even more problems for a turnover prone Browning, as players like Robertson and Brian Branch often being at the scene of a defended pass or a turnover because of how closely they defend at the line of scrimmage.

Their ability to turn this game on its head early is going to be critical to ensuring this doesn’t end up a trap game for Detroit, and Browning is clearly beyond aware of that. Could Detroit’s lack of depth at cornerback impact this effectiveness?

We have to wait and see, but knowing how strongly the next man up mentality defines their defense, it doesn’t seem like Browning is about to catch a break.

Malik Mustapha’s Return Spells Disaster for This 49ers Starter

Kyle Shanahan revealed Malik Mustapha’s practice window might open on Monday, which will spell disaster for this 49ers starter.

Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (6) celebrates after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (not pictured) pass is incomplete during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images / Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Kyle Shanahan delivered hopeful news on Friday on Malik Mustapha’s return.

He said that the 49ers are hoping that they can open up his practice on Monday. Mustapha has been on the PUP list due to an ACL injury he suffered in the 2024 season finale.

Whether he practices next week or not, this is a great sign that Mustapha is closing in on his return. However, his return spells disaster for this 49ers starter.

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (5) makes attach against San Francisco 49ers safety Marques Sigle (36) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

That starter is rookie Marques Sigle. He is bound to be the odd man out when Mustapha returns. I doubt it happens immediately. The 49ers will likely ease Mustapha back in initially. 

Either way, Sigle is on borrowed time as the starter. It’s not going to be Jason Pinnock who loses his starting spot because he’s a player that Robert Saleh trusts in his role. 

You can’t say that about Sigle. He’s been the worst defender on the 49ers through five games. Against the Rams, he was a complete liability in coverage, allowing five catches on six targets for 127 yards and a passer rating of 118.8. 

It wasn’t surprising to see him get picked on by Matthew Stafford. He’s the worst 49ers’ defender in pass coverage. In the year, Sigle has allowed 19 catches on 21 targets for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He’s completely abysmal when it comes to playing the ball. 

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (84) attempts to make a catch over San Francisco 49ers safety Marques Sigle (36) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The issue with him isn’t that he can’t guard well. He’s actually in a solid position more times than not. He just has no idea what to do when the ball is in the air. Someone has to teach him that last step. 

If he knew what to do, then he would have gotten an interception when he was targeted in coverage in the end zone on Colby Parkinson early in the fourth quarter. If he picks that, the Rams don’t score a touchdown on the following play. 

Sigle just doesn’t have the playmaking traits. He isn’t a ballhawk. That’s not to say he won’t ever develop that, but it’s not gonna happen this season. It would be shocking to see. 

The only bright side with Sigle is that he’s solid against the run. He does a fine job of coming up and playing clean up on any ball carrier. Besides that, he’s the Achilles heel of the defense. 

When Mustapha returns, he will lose his starting job.