Bengals suffer franchise-record loss without Burrow in 48-10 setback

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a historic setback Sunday, losing 48-10 at Minnesota in their first game without injured star quarterback Joe Burrow and enduring the largest margin defeat in franchise history. Burrow underwent surgery on his left toe Friday and the team said he is expected to be sidelined for about three months, but analysts have questioned whether that timetable will hold if Cincinnati's season falters.

Relief starter Jake Browning, making his first start of the season after replacing Burrow late in the previous game, struggled amid a flurry of turnovers. Browning completed 19 of 27 passes for 140 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He has now thrown five interceptions in limited action this season, an NFL-high, after just 59 pass attempts. The Bengals also have eight turnovers through three games, the most in the league.

Coach Zac Taylor said ball security must improve. "We got to protect the ball, number one," he said. He also acknowledged glaring issues in the running game. "There is a lot we have to prove in the run game," Taylor said. Cincinnati is averaging a league-low 2.4 yards...