CINCINNATI — Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is staying put as the team’s offensive playcaller, despite the team’s struggles. After a tough 37-24 loss against the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati’s offense managed only 3 points in the first three quarters, marking a troubling trend. Taylor knows there’s pressure to change but believes in his approach.
“I feel very comfortable,” Taylor expressed. “It’s fair to question us, especially after scoring so little in the first halves lately. But for now, I’m sticking with what we have.” Since taking over in 2019, Taylor has held both the head coach and playcalling roles.
The team has been facing challenges, particularly with starting quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 2. Jake Browning has stepped in but has struggled, leading to the worst offensive performance during Taylor’s tenure. Against Detroit, the Bengals trailed 28-3 at one point before scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make it a closer game.
Taylor relies on his offensive staff for input. “I depend on them just like any other playcaller does,” he noted. However, there’s a growing trend in the league of head coaches separating playcalling duties to improve performance, as seen with the Tennessee Titans’ coach, Brian Callahan, who recently gave up his playcalling job. The Titans enjoyed their first win just after making that change.
Through five games, the Bengals’ stats aren’t encouraging. They sit near the bottom in key offensive categories: ranked 30th in points per drive (1.52), 31st in yards per play (4.3), and tied for 28th in points per game (17). Taylor emphasized the need to create more opportunities for playmakers and to improve overall productivity.
Looking ahead to their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback situation remains uncertain. Taylor will decide on Browning’s status based on the upcoming week’s practices. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had a long talk with Browning after his three interceptions against the Lions. “You want to see him succeed, but we all know we need to do better,” Pitcher said, acknowledging that the struggles extend beyond just one player.
In a broader context, teams often face similar offensive ruts, especially when key players are out. For instance, in recent years, injuries to star quarterbacks have forced teams to adapt quickly, often leading to mixed results. As the Bengals strive to turn things around, their performance in the coming weeks will be crucial not just for playoff hopes but also for defining the future of the team and its coaching staff.
As Cincinnati evaluates their strategy and potential changes, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround that could restore the Bengals to their winning ways.
