Bengals’ Coach Zac Taylor Reflects on 1-4 Start: ‘I Need to Do Better’
The Cincinnati Bengals’ slow start to the 2024 season has been a collective effort, and head coach Zac Taylor is taking full responsibility for their 1-4 record. Speaking on Monday, Taylor acknowledged the team’s poor performance but emphasized that their current standing doesn’t reflect the talent on the roster.
“I need to put us in a better position,” Taylor said. “There’s so much talent here, and my job is to get the best out of that talent. I haven’t done a good enough job ensuring we come out with wins.”
After missing the playoffs last season due to quarterback Joe Burrow’s wrist injury, the Bengals entered this year with hopes of reclaiming their place as AFC contenders. Despite Burrow’s return to form — including a career-high five touchdown passes in a 41-38 loss to the Ravens — the Bengals are struggling to close out games. Burrow has the second-highest Total QBR through Week 5, trailing only Josh Allen, but knows the team needs more. “We’re not a championship-level team right now,” Burrow admitted. “I believe we’ll improve throughout the season, but right now we’re not where we need to be.”
In Sunday’s overtime loss to Baltimore, Taylor’s conservative play-calling drew some criticism. After recovering a Lamar Jackson fumble in overtime, Cincinnati ran three straight rushing plays before Evan McPherson’s 53-yard field goal attempt was botched by a bad hold. The decision not to let Burrow and the offense go for more yards was questioned by both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who combined for 276 yards and four touchdowns. However, Taylor defended the choice, explaining that the risk of losing yards and falling out of field goal range was too high.
When asked about his star receivers’ critique of the strategy, Taylor took it in stride. “That doesn’t bother me,” Taylor said. “I have to make decisions, and I’ll take full blame when they don’t go our way. That’s part of the job, and it’s something I embrace.”
With a Week 6 game against the 2-3 New York Giants approaching, Taylor emphasized the need for constant evaluation. He assured fans that changes are on the table as the team looks to shake off its early-season woes. “We spend every second of every day trying to find a way to win,” Taylor said. “We’re all disappointed. There’s more out there for us, and it’s my job to make sure we get it.”
The Bengals have talent, but unlocking their full potential rests on the shoulders of their head coach. As they aim to bounce back, Taylor is making it clear that he’s accountable for steering them in the right direction.