Zac Taylor Stands Firm as Bengals' Playcaller Amidst Struggles - A Controversial Decision?
CINCINNATI - In the face of mounting criticism and a challenging three-game losing streak, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has made a bold choice that may raise eyebrows among fans and analysts alike: he has decided to retain his crucial role as the offensive playcaller.
After the team's disappointing 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions at home, an outcome that saw the Bengals only scoring a mere 3 points during the initial three quarters for the third straight week, Taylor addressed the media on Monday. He openly accepted his share of the responsibility for the team's current offensive struggles, while affirming his commitment to managing both coaching duties since he joined the team in 2019.
"I feel very comfortable in my role," Taylor stated during the press briefing. "That’s a valid question considering our recent performance where we’ve scored just three points in the first halves of three consecutive games. I completely understand the scrutiny. However, my approach is going to remain unchanged for now."
The loss compounded the Bengals' troubles, particularly since starting quarterback Joe Burrow has been sidelined since suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his absence, backup quarterback Jake Browning has been at the helm for the last three games, coinciding with a woeful offensive drought—the worst Taylor has seen in his seven years of leadership. During the recent game against Detroit, the Bengals faced a daunting 28-3 deficit, but they did manage to secure three touchdowns in a frantic fourth quarter, making the final score more respectable.
Despite the setbacks, Taylor emphasized that he values collaboration among the offensive team when making playcalling decisions. "I depend on input from my players as much as any other playcaller in the league relies on their personnel," he remarked, underscoring the collective effort behind the team's strategy.
While it's not uncommon for head coaches to wear both hats, there has been a recent trend of teams separating these roles. For instance, Brian Callahan, who was Taylor’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2023 with the Tennessee Titans, recently handed over playcalling responsibilities to a colleague after an underwhelming start to his season. Following that change, the Titans recorded their first victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
As it stands, the Bengals (2-3) are lagging near the bottom of the league in several crucial offensive metrics, ranking 30th in points per drive at just 1.52, 31st in yards per play averaging a mere 4.3, and tied for 28th in points scored per game with just 17. When pressed about how he can improve as a playcaller, Taylor pointed toward finding more ways to get the football to the team’s playmakers, aiming to create easier opportunities for them to generate offensive productivity. "We haven’t been efficient enough so far. At this stage, I’m not overly focused on statistics; my priority lies in securing wins," he said.
Nevertheless, uncertainty looms over Cincinnati's quarterback situation as they prepare for an upcoming game against Green Bay. When questioned about whether Browning would take the starting position this weekend, Taylor mentioned that a decision would be made closer to Wednesday, the day of their first practice of the week.
Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher shared insights from a lengthy discussion he had with Browning following the quarterback’s tough outing against the Lions, where he threw three interceptions, bringing his season total to eight. "You want to see him succeed, and it’s essential to acknowledge that results matter in this business. He understands the need to elevate his performance, and we are here to support him through this process," Pitcher explained.
However, he noted that the offensive issues are not solely Browning’s fault. "We all need to step up our game and bring our best to the field. Collectively, we have not yet reached our potential," Pitcher added, hinting at the broader challenges that extend beyond just one player.
But here's where it gets controversial... Can a head coach effectively manage both playcalling and head coaching duties, especially during rough patches? Should Taylor reconsider his role for the benefit of the team? As the Bengals navigate through this turbulent time, fans are left to wonder: Is it time for a change, or should Taylor stick to his guns? What are your thoughts on this strategy?
Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
