2024 Cincinnati Bengals Part IV - What’s our draft position?

[Reds Freak]

Feels like one of those classic Bengals/Steelers games where Cincinnati dominates but Pittsburgh leads at half and gets the ball to start the 2nd.

[The Operator]

Welp

[Hillsdale87]

I hope to never watch Volson play another game


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[KoryMac5]

Volson is so bad...but I like the fumble on the punt

[The Operator]

Fumble on the punt!

Bengals ball!!!

[KoryMac5]

Pitts is so extra on every tackle...

[Roy Tucker]

Bengals OL could stand a little improvement. Seems guys they’ve played in the past (ie Volson) have regressed.

[Reds Freak]

Pitts is so extra on every tackle...

I'll faint if they ever get flagged for it.

[KoryMac5]

Draft 2 Guards and the entire line changes...

[The Operator]

Pitts is so extra on every tackle...

Yea, that extra stuff after the Yoshi catch even made my wife angry.

[WrongVerb]

Tyler Booker is the top guard in the draft.

[The Operator]

I'll faint if they ever get flagged for it.

Just good old hard-nosed Steeler football or something

[KoryMac5]

Game has turned into flagfest...

[The Operator]

Ugh I hate football

[KoryMac5]

Burrow a little off the last few drives most likely hurrying a bit for the rush

[Reds Freak]

God this team just can't get out of their own way this year.

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Tomlin looks like the 3 eyed fish from The Simpsons

I have all the respect in the world for Tomlin but he looks cold and old tonight. Is he okay?

[The Operator]

Steelers now with plenty of time to get points and double dip after halftime.

Sigh

[KoryMac5]

Maybe someone should cover the TE

[The Operator]

Maybe someone should cover the TE

Yea, the whole “bring pressure but don’t get there while leaving the TE uncovered” is a play I hope they don’t call again.0

[MWM]

I thought Khalil Herbert was better than this. He looks terrible today.

[The Operator]

Awfully generous spot

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Hey there we go!

[KoryMac5]

Big mistake by Tomlin there...great D

[KoryMac5]

Sample Queen collision wow!

[The Operator]

Man I hope they can bring Tee back

[KoryMac5]

Great catch Tee!

[The Operator]

Cam Heyward makes me cry knowing he went to OSU and now he torments us.

[KoryMac5]

Thought Chase had that one...York has been good tonight though feel like he has dialed the leg back a bit.

[Reds Freak]

Some points left on the field in the first half, which no doubt will bite the Bengals in the ass.

[Reds Freak]

What's so frustrating and so Bengal is this is without a doubt one of the best seven teams in the AFC but they have to find a way to squeak this one out and hope for a miracle tomorrow to even make the playoffs.

[The Operator]

Pratt is great some games, awful others.


Nice play to start the second half.

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What's so frustrating and so Bengal is this is without a doubt one of the best seven teams in the AFC but they have to find a way to squeak this one out and hope for a miracle tomorrow to even make the playoffs.

The winless starts to the season have to be fixed.

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Bengals work a 3 & out to start the second half.

[KoryMac5]

Get a TD here and I will feel a bit better...

[The Operator]

Huge sack and Burrow isn’t getting up

I hate football

[Reds Freak]

Nothing can come easy for this team.

[WrongVerb]

Huge sack and Burrow isn’t getting up

I hate football


Pitts is so extra on every tackle...

Yikes!

[RiverRat13]

Twitter says Burrow jogged off. Probably had the wind knocked out of him.

[Hillsdale87]

Volson is about as effective as I would be


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[The Operator]

Isn’t it supposed to be roughing when you drop every last ounce of your body weight on the QB?

[MWM]

I don’t even think Volson is backup quality.

[The Operator]

Volson is about as effective as I would be


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Yea, that play was pathetic. He doesn’t belong on an NFL field.

[RiverRat13]

I'd rather they spent money at guard than defense this offseason. Joe can't keep taking this many hits.

[Roy Tucker]

Bengals D has played better than I expected. Which is probably the kiss of death.

[The Operator]

Burrow runs out into the field after the punt


Thank god

[Reds Freak]

Steelers are playing like garbage and this is still gonna come down to the wire likely.

[KoryMac5]

Need a nice long drive here and points...

[Roy Tucker]

Would like to see the Bengals score here and open up a bigger lead.

But I imagine they’ll play it very conservative here starting at the 11.

[The Operator]

Steelers are playing like garbage and this is still gonna come down to the wire likely.

You know they look bad when Aikman and Buck are both openly criticizing a blue blood NFL team.

[The Operator]

Herbert doing work

[KoryMac5]

Herbert doing work

Lots of tough yards, he's a grinder for sure.

[The Operator]

On to the 4th quarter with the Bengals driving and into Pittsburgh territory.

[Reds Freak]

Herbert doing work

He had some criticism here earlier, but not sure what else you can ask for from a midyear practice squad pickup. Just hold onto the ball and keep the D honest.

[The Operator]

Lots of tough yards, he's a grinder for sure.

Yea, he’s had some impressive yards after first contact on multiple plays.

[RiverRat13]

He had some criticism here earlier, but not sure what else you can ask for from a midyear practice squad pickup. Just hold onto the ball and keep the D honest.

They traded a 6th for him but your point still stands.

[KoryMac5]

OMG what a grab by Chase

[The Operator]

Chase is just from another planet.

What a catch.

[The Operator]

Wow that’s a great dump off to pick it up

[Roy Tucker]

Tanner Hudson with a play. But Joe made it happen.

[The Operator]

Sure, burn another timeout


Classic lol

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A rare bad throw from Burrow into the end zone.

Second one tonight. Very strange.

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19-7 Bengals after the FG

[Reds Freak]

Why can't they score TDs

[KoryMac5]

York I take back all the nasty things I said about you last week in anger...

[Roy Tucker]

Joe misses a throw. It’s hard to be perfect all the time.

[RiverRat13]

If Burrow leads Giseki there it's a pick.

[Roy Tucker]

Make a dang tackle.

[Reds Freak]

Well here we go. This is gonna have to be eked out.

[KoryMac5]

Well here we go. This is gonna have to be eked out.

It's the Bengal way...

[The Operator]

Oof lucky Pratt didn’t get flagged for that

[KoryMac5]

Still can't cover the TE

[The Operator]

Welp. Steelers are right back in it.


Story fo this entire season. Dominate but fail to put teams away.

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19-14

Bengals offense better have an answer for that

[Reds Freak]

This is on the offense. This is what happens when you can't get in the end zone.

But typical of the year. The defense plays well when the offense sucks. And the offense plays well when the defense sucks.

[Playadlc]

That TD should never happen. Undisciplined.

[Roy Tucker]

FGs need to be TDs. Otherwise you leave the door happen.

Bengals O has to show up here and out points on the board.

[KoryMac5]

Burrow has to prove he is the MVP

[The Operator]

I’m still amazed at the fact they allowed a 12 yard scramble after Russ Wilson bobbled the snap.

[MWM]

This why you don’t kick FGs

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I've been a Bengals fan for 50 years. Settling for FGs instead of TDs seems to be the Bengals way for at least 49 of those years.

[WrongVerb]

I didn't know until tonight that Cam Heyward if the son of Craig "Iron Had" Heyward. (And cousin to the Bengals Shaka Heyward.)

[The Operator]

Well. Bengals have to punt.


Here we go

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Throwing short of the sticks also has been a thing for 49 years.

[Roy Tucker]

I’d go for it in 4th down here. Bengals have lost their momentum. This is just a matter of time now.

[Reds Freak]

Tee Higgins is amazing but once again not on the field when it especially matters.

[Playadlc]

Tee Higgins is amazing but once again not on the field when it especially matters.

You 100% can not resign this guy. Move on. He is always hurt.

[The Operator]

Defense holds up!!!

Whew

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Oh Jesus Christ

Classic Bengals

[Roy Tucker]

It’s the Bengals.

[The Operator]

This team does not deserve to be in the playoffs

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Bengals have held the ball for 37 minutes compared to 17

[Reds Freak]

I mean nothing Ivey could really do, it just landed on his foot. Classic.

[Hillsdale87]

Bengals season in a nutshell. What can go wrong will go wrong


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[The Operator]

Freiermuth must be wearing camo or something

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Why accept that penalty?!??!

[Roy Tucker]

Why accept that penalty?

[The Operator]

19-17 after the Steelers FG

Bengals offense will have to hold the ball long enough to run the clock out.

[Reds Freak]

Geez. I thought sure that was gonna end up with an illegal contact, automatic first down penalty.

[The Operator]

Geez. I thought sure that was gonna end up with an illegal contact, automatic first down penalty.

I simply don’t understand it. The potential downside was huge.

[KoryMac5]

Well you are paying Joe a ton of cash for moments like this, can he deliver.

[The Operator]

Kick return out near midfield.


Do your job, offense.

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Ugh we’re gonna run it 3 times

[The Operator]

Typical.


This will be a fitting way to lose and end the season.

[WrongVerb]

Bengals will Bengal.

[Hillsdale87]

Offense has been unable to put away games all year


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[pedro]

The bengals have been one loud fart noise in the 4th quarter all year.

[KoryMac5]

Boswell has the leg to hit from 60 too

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Put me out of my misery! What a miserably frustrating season.

[Roy Tucker]

Bah.

It’s on the defense now and I’m not confident.

[Reds Freak]

Broncos are winning tomorrow anyway. What's it matter.

[Playadlc]

Go find a #2 WR that can actually stay on the field in key moments.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

19-20 would be a fitting end to this nightmare of a season.

[WrongVerb]

You 100% can not resign this guy. Move on. He is always hurt.

I'd argue that the putrid production without him on the field illustrates how important it is to keep him. Use his injury history to sign him to a smaller contract than he would have gotten as a #1.

[Roy Tucker]

Cover the damn TE.

[Playadlc]

I'd argue that the putrid production without him on the field illustrates how important it is to keep him. Use his injury history to sign him to a smaller contract than he would have gotten as a #1.

I get that, but the dude is always hurt. I don't know how you give a big contract to a guy that consistently misses time in key moments. I'd rather use that money elsewhere.

[The Operator]

The defense stands up!!!!

[WVRed]

Turned the TV off at the two minute warning.

You're welcome.

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[The Operator]

Bengals finish 9-8 and the playoff hopes are alive.

[KoryMac5]

The Defense finally gets a Dub!!!

[Roy Tucker]

Ho ho hah hah

[MWM]

I'd argue that the putrid production without him on the field illustrates how important it is to keep him. Use his injury history to sign him to a smaller contract than he would have gotten as a #1.

Well, Tee has a say in that. Not like the organization can play that card.

[KoryMac5]

You have to pay Trey, he was unreal tonight.

[Reds Freak]

Wow. Freiermuth catches that ball and it's game over.

[UKFlounder]

Well, that was easy….:devil:

[KoryMac5]

Well, Tee has a say in that. Not like the organization can play that card.

They could franchise him again but I think Tee would like to stay vs. going elsewhere.

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Also does Lou keep his job after tonight...that's a huge question.

[The Operator]

Bengals go 9-5 in their final 14 games.

If they hadn’t started 0-3 this would have been a playoff clincher. Zac has to figure out what is causing this and fix it. It’s every single year across different players, different coordinators. He’s the common denominator.

[Stray]

I'm gonna need to go buy some beers if I'm gonna root for the Chiefs and Jets tomorrow.

[goreds2]

Nice game Bengal fans. :(

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Bengals go 9-5 in their final 14 games.

If they hadn’t started 0-3 this would have been a playoff clincher. Zac has to figure out what is causing this and fix it. It’s every single year across different players, different coordinators. He’s the common denominator.

Another 0-2 or 0-3 start, and he's got to be fired. It's costing us postseason games and Burrow has but a finite number of prime years.

[RiverRat13]

The defense played well (for them) but wow did the Steelers have a lot of drops.

I predict this late run will be enough for the Bengals to bring back Lou.

[MWM]

They could franchise him again but I think Tee would like to stay vs. going elsewhere.

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Also does Lou keep his job after tonight...that's a huge question.

Franchise would probably be about what he’d get on the market. They may as well sign him.

[Stray]

The defense played well (for them) but wow did the Steelers have a lot of drops.

I predict this late run will be enough for the Bengals to bring back Lou.

Love Lou's ability to scheme against top tier offenses in huge games, but I do not love his ability to just generally build a good defense. I think a change is needed there.

[RiverRat13]

Love Lou's ability to scheme against top tier offenses in huge games, but I do not love his ability to just generally build a good defense. I think a change is needed there.

Agree a change is needed. Lou would probably end up with a DC job a week after the Bengals let him go, but time for a different voice.

That said, the Bengals don't like change and the patented dead cat bounce has been an excuse to keep the status quo in past Bengal seasons.

[Roy Tucker]

Another 0-2 or 0-3 start, and he's got to be fired. It's costing us postseason games and Burrow has but a finite number of prime years.

Losing to the Patriots was absurd. You just can’t do they that.

[Reds Freak]

Losing to the Patriots was absurd. You just can’t do they that.

Win the Pats game at home and just one of the winnable Ravens (x2), Chiefs, Steelers, or Chargers games and you breeze into the playoffs.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Losing to the Patriots was absurd. You just can’t do they that.

Absolutely. That's why they really don't deserve a playoff berth. That loss was simply inexcusable, and I just knew it would come back to haunt. You simply CAN'T lose that game.

[WrongVerb]

I'd just love to see what Burrow could do behind a brick wall instead of a steel sieve.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

As bad as this team's defense was, this still could have easily been a 11 or 12 win team, with all of those close losses that they found a way to lose.

[KronoRed]

Bengals go 9-5 in their final 14 games.

If they hadn’t started 0-3 this would have been a playoff clincher. Zac has to figure out what is causing this and fix it. It’s every single year across different players, different coordinators. He’s the common denominator.

What's causing it is Zac treating September like an extended pre-season.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I'd just love to see what Burrow could do behind a brick wall instead of a steel sieve.

I think we all have fantasized about that for four years. I'm starting to doubt whether we will ever see it.

[Stray]

If we waste a historically great season from Joe Burrow and a triple crown for Ja'Marr Chase, you gotta clean house with this staff. That's the kinda thing that just can't happen. Unlike coaching searches in the past, top tier candidates would LOVE to coach Burrow's prime.

[Redsfaithful]

4-8 to 9-8 is an achievement. Credit to the front office for picking up Herbert, he was integral tonight.

Sucks they couldn't beat New England week 1, gotta be better than that. If they somehow roll 7s tomorrow though ... look out.

[KoryMac5]

Burrow once again using his pulpit to talk about not letting Tee walk…

Higgins said after the game he is dealing with high ankle sprain.

Coaches preparing for Buffalo.


Nice to get another big win in Pittsburgh defense is playing fast. Held Pittsburgh to under 200 yds total offense. Extend Trey and get Hilton back.

[Tony Cloninger]

They better cut the Guard. Rankings. Hubbard. Pratt too. You can find a better LB that wants to or knows how to tackle. There is your money along with the usual 5-10 in cap space they already have to handle Chase. Tee. Trey. Maybe enough to sign a better Guard to replace Volson while drafting another one.

[Sea Ray]

It’s a sin that Burrow and Chase play on such a suck team.

They aren’t a suck team right now. They were in September and October and that’s why we’re only 9-8. Suck teams don’t get described as “the team no one wants to see in the playoffs “


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[Sea Ray]

Bengals OL could stand a little improvement. Seems guys they’ve played in the past (ie Volson) have regressed.

I don’t understand why they haven’t adjusted this year by moving the center to his position and then inserting the rookie from Miami at C


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[goreds2]

Bengals' Zac Taylor's warning shot to playoff teams: 'They don't want us in this tournament'
Bengals still need some help to make the playoffs

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bengals-zac-taylors-warning-shot-playoff-teams-they-dont-want-us-tournament

[Reds Freak]

Don't feel good about the Bengals chances today counting on the Chiefs practice squad players who had travel troubles getting to Denver and the laughing stock that is Aaron Rodgers and the NYJ.

[texasdave]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/chiefs-broncos-facing-potential-league-action-hours-before-kickoff/ar-AA1wYh9t?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=d39eef651679465093e9e7786f845e7c&ei=40

Is KC/Denver going to happen today. Polar Vortex alert.

[Tony Cloninger]

Bengals' Zac Taylor's warning shot to playoff teams: 'They don't want us in this tournament'
Bengals still need some help to make the playoffs

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bengals-zac-taylors-warning-shot-playoff-teams-they-dont-want-us-tournament


Yea Taylor can just STFU with stuff like this. No one cares. You’re coaching and preparation style is the reason this team is in the Oh they don’t want to play us narrative. Is there a prize for that? I don’t think the Bills would be scared to play the Bengals at all.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Yea Taylor can just STFU with stuff like this. No one cares. You’re coaching and preparation style is the reason this team is in the Oh they don’t want to play us narrative. Is there a prize for that? I don’t think the Bills would be scared to play the Bengals at all.

I AGREE! His 0-2 and 0-3 starts to the season are "fireable" offenses, as far as I'm concerned. I don't want to hear his mouth after , Burrow and Chase somehow got the team to 9 wins. They are a 3 - 4 win team with Zac, and minus Burrow and Chase.

[KoryMac5]

I AGREE! His 0-2 and 0-3 starts to the season are "fireable" offenses, as far as I'm concerned. I don't want to hear his mouth after , Burrow and Chase somehow got the team to 9 wins. They are a 3 - 4 win team with Zac, and minus Burrow and Chase.

I think a lot of teams would be 3 or 4 win teams when you take away your top 2 players...

I feel the blame lies more with the FO than it does Taylor though he is not blameless in the slow starts and head scratching decisions.

The FO knew this defense and O line were subpar prior to the season and went ahead with it anyway. Led to Burrow taking more hits and the defense giving up 44 pts to an awful Pitts offense. The Rankins signing has to be the worst in franchise history.

They totally mishandled Chase's contract and went back on a promise to reward Trey Hendrickson. All of this led to career yrs and have now raised the cost of both.

[Sea Ray]

I think a lot of teams would be 3 or 4 win teams when you take away your top 2 players...

I feel the blame lies more with the FO than it does Taylor though he is not blameless in the slow starts and head scratching decisions.

The FO knew this defense and O line were subpar prior to the season and went ahead with it anyway. Led to Burrow taking more hits and the defense giving up 44 pts to an awful Pitts offense. The Rankins signing has to be the worst in franchise history.

They totally mishandled Chase's contract and went back on a promise to reward Trey Hendrickson. All of this led to career yrs and have now raised the cost of both.

It's not the front office's fault that this team starts slow every year. No question the front office has issues such as too few scouts but this team not beating NE with a healthy Burrow is a coaching issue. That is 100% on the coaches and players. That's not on Mike Brown

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I think a lot of teams would be 3 or 4 win teams when you take away your top 2 players...

I feel the blame lies more with the FO than it does Taylor though he is not blameless in the slow starts and head scratching decisions.

The FO knew this defense and O line were subpar prior to the season and went ahead with it anyway. Led to Burrow taking more hits and the defense giving up 44 pts to an awful Pitts offense. The Rankins signing has to be the worst in franchise history.

They totally mishandled Chase's contract and went back on a promise to reward Trey Hendrickson. All of this led to career yrs and have now raised the cost of both.

Salient points that you raise, no doubt. I'd just rather Zac keep comments like that to himself, especially, when his team just barely kept from being a sub .500 team. He's probably right in that no one would really be itching to see Burrow and Chase in a first round matchup, but just keep it on the Q.T. Zac . I'm much closer to wanting him fired than I am wanting him bragging about his 9-8 team.

[KoryMac5]

It's not the front office's fault that this team starts slow every year. No question the front office has issues such as too few scouts but this team not beating NE with a healthy Burrow is a coaching issue. That is 100% on the coaches and players. That's not on Mike Brown

Agreed and even mentioned that in my post that the slow start is on Taylor. However let’s not forget that the FO botched the Chase negotiations leading to the hold in causing the game plan to be revised against NE and KC.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

It's not the front office's fault that this team starts slow every year. No question the front office has issues such as too few scouts but this team not beating NE with a healthy Burrow is a coaching issue. That is 100% on the coaches and players. That's not on Mike Brown

I agree. And it's getting to be the case where I think Zac should be let go because of it. He simply doesn't have them close to being ready to play in the first two games of the season. Inexcusable.

[The Operator]

Aaron Rodgers with a pick already, albeit on a tipped pass.


Ugh.

[KoryMac5]

KC down to Denver 7-0 not looking good on both fronts...

[Redsfaithful]

I'm much closer to wanting him fired than I am wanting him bragging about his 9-8 team.

I'd rather have a coach hyping his team up to the media than the alternative. Players want a leader I think but also to feel like that leader is in the trenches with them against the world.

Four straight winning seasons means Zac is going to coach the Bengals for a long, long time unless they do a complete 180 with how ownership handles those decisions.

The front office needs to make the team "coin flip" proof. You need a team deep enough to get through injuries, good enough to still make the playoffs if you lose all the 50/50 games. Hoping they can hit on some free agents, make the right decisions on guys like Tee, Hilton, Trey, and have a draft at least as good as 2024s.

They'll be fine. Sometimes you get a really frustrating year like this right before a team wins it all.

[Reds Freak]

Broncos aren't gonna lose in these uniforms. They are things of beauty.

[RiverRat13]

I am somewhat agnostic about Zac, but again feel it's fair to point out that while his teams start out slow, the last four years they've closed out the season playing their best ball. Players like Orlando Brown have credited the way the coaching staff protects the players' bodies as a big reason why they are fresh down the stretch. Contrast that with Tomlin, who runs a very physical camp by modern standards. His teams start strong but then fizzle out at the end of the year. I'm sure there's a middle ground to find there.

[KoryMac5]

Broncos aren't gonna lose in these uniforms. They are things of beauty.

14-0 and they are feeling it...

[Ky Fried Redleg]

del

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I am somewhat agnostic about Zac, but again feel it's fair to point out that while his teams start out slow, the last four years they've closed out the season playing their best ball. Players like Orlando Brown have credited the way the coaching staff protects the players' bodies as a big reason why they are fresh down the stretch. Contrast that with Tomlin, who runs a very physical camp by modern standards. His teams start strong but then fizzle out at the end of the year. I'm sure there's a middle ground to find there.


But....

Looking like last two seasons => Tomlin=Playoffs ; Zac = No Playoffs

[KoryMac5]

But....

Looking like last two seasons => Tomlin=Playoffs ; Zac = No Playoffs

Would we be happy with first round losses though...I actually thought Taylor did a good job keeping the team competitive when Burrow got hurt never in a million yrs did I think they would be 9-8 with Jake Browning. This season was more if a disappointment. Would I be upset if they cleaned house...nope but I think he gets 1 more season.

[The Operator]

Welp.

Wasn’t in the cards. Maybe next year Zac will figure out a way to win before week 4.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Would we be happy with first round losses though...I actually thought Taylor did a good job keeping the team competitive when Burrow got hurt never in a million yrs did I think they would be 9-8 with Jake Browning. This season was more if a disappointment. Would I be upset if they cleaned house...nope but I think he gets 1 more season.

I get your point. Fair enough. One more... but I say another terrible start and he should get pink slipped. Having said that, he will be here another 10 years.

[The Operator]

The Bengals have just wasted a season in which they had the best QB in football, a WR that notched a triple crown, and the league leader in sacks on defense.

It’s mind boggling.

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I get your point. Fair enough. One more... but I say another terrible start and he should get pink slipped. Having said that, he will be here another 10 years.

Based on how long Marvin was here, the Super Bowl run alone basically locked Zac up for 20 years. Unless he pulls a Bruce Coslet and resigns, we’re stuck with him.

Best we can do is hope they somehow fix the roster, draft better, and figure out a way to not start on a losing streak.

[Redsfan6272]

The Bengals have just wasted a season in which they had the best QB in football, a WR that notched a triple crown, and the league leader in sacks on defense.

It’s mind boggling.

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Based on how long Marvin was here, the Super Bowl run alone basically locked Zac up for 20 years. Unless he pulls a Bruce Coslet and resigns, we’re stuck with him.

Best we can do is hope they somehow fix the roster, draft better, and figure out a way to not start on a losing streak.

All because under Taylor starting off 0-2 is no issue with him. Other teams coaches this is a huge problem.. the Chiefs OC might be in play fir a head coaching position. Hard not to ignore that for a head coach change

[Ky Fried Redleg]

The Bengals have just wasted a season in which they had the best QB in football, a WR that notched a triple crown, and the league leader in sacks on defense.

It’s mind boggling.

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Based on how long Marvin was here, the Super Bowl run alone basically locked Zac up for 20 years. Unless he pulls a Bruce Coslet and resigns, we’re stuck with him.

Best we can do is hope they somehow fix the roster, draft better, and figure out a way to not start on a losing streak.



I am so damn frustrated. My systolic BP is up around 170. If you had told me Joe would have almost 5,000 yards and throw for 43 TDs and Chase would have over 1,700 receiving yds and win the TC and Trey would lead the league in sacks, I'd say AT LEAST 12 wins. 9-8 is an abomination with those kind of stats.

[Redsfan6272]

So the Chiefs starters that are not playing today won't play in a game for a month?? Having the Bye? How can that be good

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That 3rd TD off 2 deflections by Denver just toasted the Bengals season.. sigh

[Boston Red]

So the Chiefs starters that are not playing today won't play in a game for a month?? Having the Bye? How can that be good



The team they'll play in the first round will kind of suck, so they'll get a nice tune up before playing Baltimore or Buffalo.

[The Operator]

Jets are actually putting up a fight against Miami. If only the Chiefs weren’t rolling over.


Ya know, it makes me wonder. I celebrated after Buffalo beat KC earlier this season. If that hadn’t happened and the Chiefs were undefeated, would they maybe have played the starters today trying to go 17-0?

Makes ya think.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

So the Chiefs starters that are not playing today won't play in a game for a month?? Having the Bye? How can that be good

- - - Updated - - -

That 3rd TD off 2 deflections by Denver just toasted the Bengals season.. sigh



Of course, in all honesty, the Bengals toasted their own season.

#RememberNewEngland

[WVRed]

Jets are actually putting up a fight against Miami. If only the Chiefs weren’t rolling over.


Ya know, it makes me wonder. I celebrated after Buffalo beat KC earlier this season. If that hadn’t happened and the Chiefs were undefeated, would they maybe have played the starters today trying to go 17-0?

Makes ya think.Bo Nix looks like Drew Brees out there.

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[The Operator]

Of course, in all honesty, the Bengals toasted their own season.

#RememberNewEngland

It’s mind numbing.

Beat New England and you’re in. Hang onto one of the multiple two-score leads you have in both Baltimore games and you’re in. Close out the 27-6 comeback against the Chargers and you’re in. It’s so nuts to think about.

Nothing is as egregious as the New England game though. They have to stop treating weeks 1-4 as an extended pre-season.

[Roy Tucker]

It’s mind numbing.

Beat New England and you’re in. Hang onto one of the multiple two-score leads you have in both Baltimore games and you’re in. Close out the 27-6 comeback against the Chargers and you’re in. It’s so nuts to think about.

Nothing is as egregious as the New England game though. They have to stop treating weeks 1-4 as an extended pre-season.

Someone needs to tell the Bengals that games 1-4 count just as much as games 14-17. Tbey dug their own grave.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

It’s mind numbing.

Beat New England and you’re in. Hang onto one of the multiple two-score leads you have in both Baltimore games and you’re in. Close out the 27-6 comeback against the Chargers and you’re in. It’s so nuts to think about.

Nothing is as egregious as the New England game though. They have to stop treating weeks 1-4 as an extended pre-season.

Right after the NE loss, I said to my sister that they just lost to one of the worst teams in football, a team that probably wouldn't win another three or four games. I have no idea how many games they ended up winning but I bet it wasn't many. That was a totally inexcusable loss. I mean, zero excuses for that L .

- - - Updated - - -


Someone needs to tell the Bengals that games 1-4 count just as much as games 14-17. Tbey dug their own grave.

Please tell them for me, Roy. You are closer. ;)

[ShyGuy]

I'n not a Bengals fan and even I'm angry at the Chiefs effort today.

At least the Jets are trying in their game.


Anyway, if you read the Buffalo Bills fan forums the team their fanbase most fears is the Bengals if they played them in round 1.


So like yeah it would have behoved the Chiefs to at least try today.

[RiverRat13]

I still think KC was the worst loss. They were abysmal against NE and never really felt like they were in it. With how Mac kicked this year, the first Baltimore loss was maybe 50/50 if the hold is clean and getting a 2 point conversion (at Baltimore) was a coin flip, not to mention Lamar would have had some time to get in FG range. But against KC, they had like an 80% chance to win when it was 4th and 16.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

I still think KC was the worst loss. They were abysmal against NE and never really felt like they were in it. With how Mac kicked this year, the first Baltimore loss was maybe 50/50 if the hold is clean and getting a 2 point conversion (at Baltimore) was a coin flip, not to mention Lamar would have had some time to get in FG range. But against KC, they had like an 80% chance to win when it was 4th and 16.


https://youtu.be/meUJgjUDQQU

[UKFlounder]

I still think KC was the worst loss. They were abysmal against NE and never really felt like they were in it. With how Mac kicked this year, the first Baltimore loss was maybe 50/50 if the hold is clean and getting a 2 point conversion (at Baltimore) was a coin flip, not to mention Lamar would have had some time to get in FG range. But against KC, they had like an 80% chance to win when it was 4th and 16.

New England only scored 16 points. Higgins was out, but Burrow, Chase et sl could only score 10? That was pathetic.

Against Baltimore, the defense recovered the fumble in OT and gave the game to the offense on a silver platter. Just one competent drive, with all that talent and they win, but three straight runs to set up a FG attempt. I know Taylor’s play calling was inept, but this offense just cannot close out games - even last night they let the defense finish it for them

Thank God they came through agsinst Denver so they know they can do it. Argggh

[Ky Fried Redleg]

New England only scored 16 points. Higgins was out, but Burrow, Chase et sl could only score 10? That was pathetic.

Against Baltimore, the defense recovered the fumble in OT and gave the game to the offense on a silver platter. Just one competent drive, with all that talent and they win, but three straight runs to set up a FG attempt. I know Taylor’s play calling was inept, but this offense just cannot close out games - even last night they let the defense finish it for them

Thank God they came through agsinst Denver so they know they can do it. Argggh

Yes, they haven't exactly been sterling at closing out games. Started way back in the Superbowl. Five straight drives to extend a 7-point lead and came up with nothing.

[RedTeamGo!]

Wentz is so bad….woof

[Redsfan6272]

This is what I want EVERY Bengals beat writer, next questions to Zac is " Will after 6 years of starting mostly 0-2 every season, will you finally address making sure your team is ready week 1?"

[RedTeamGo!]

I get the bengals won 5 straight to close out the season, but it’s downright shameful to waste a season with the best WR in the NFL, and top 3 QB in the NFL in their primes. Wild.

[pedro]

I’d still consider firing Taylor

[UKFlounder]

I’d still consider firing Taylor

My hesitation with that is in knowing who will be hiring his replacement. Does anybody really think the Browns and Blackburns are going to get a high-coveted or desired coach? They'll look for another assistant seeking his first job and making the salary of a first-time coach. Heck, Zac wasn't even an OC when they hired him - he was a QB coach. With Burrow here, would they go the same route, and just find another supposed "offensive master mind"?

I'm a bit skeptical about this scenario.

[plantmanky]

This is what I want EVERY Bengals beat writer, next questions to Zac is " Will after 6 years of starting mostly 0-2 every season, will you finally address making sure your team is ready week 1?"

Chase is the reason for the patriots loss.

[Hillsdale87]

Chase is the reason for the patriots loss.

There's no excuse to lose to the Patriots, but it was worst case scenario with Higgins going out right before the game and Chase having no practice reps


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[WVRed]

I’d still consider firing TaylorSame.

But it would probably be Joe Brady since he would be hand picked by Burrow. Not a veteran defensive coach which is what this team needs.

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[WrongVerb]

Don't fire Taylor unless he's lost the locker room. I do think it's time to move on from Lou.

[MWM]

If they could get Ben Johnson or Joe Brady, I’d gladly move on from Zac. If they can’t one of those guys, I’d just hold onto Zac.

[UKFlounder]

They pick 17th in the draft.

/thread :D

[Strikes Out Looking]

The lesson of this season is sign your star players as soon as possible and take training camp seriously (Bengals haven't taken training camp seriously since Sam Wyche was coach).

[RiverRat13]

I'd rather have Brian Flores as HC and keep Pitcher as DC. Flores is basically the defensive version of Ben Johnson. The Bengals need an elite defensive mind since they won't be able to spend big $$$ on that side of the ball.

Duke Tobin should go before Zac. But both will return.

[Todd Gack]

Chase is the reason for the patriots loss.

The FO is to blame. They're gonna end up paying Jamar probably about 20% more than he wanted? He deserved an extension.

[Sea Ray]

Agreed and even mentioned that in my post that the slow start is on Taylor. However let’s not forget that the FO botched the Chase negotiations leading to the hold in causing the game plan to be revised against NE and KC.

I can name a myriad of bad decisions by the front office but the Chase negotiations aren't one of them. He was still tied to the team for 2 more full seasons. They made him a generous offer. They couldn't come to an agreement. That's not on the front office. Rarely if ever does a non QB get a new contract at that point

[Sea Ray]

Chase is the reason for the patriots loss.

The defense was to blame for the Wash loss. They couldn't stop Washington from anything. They loved the ball at will

As for NE, they should've been able to win that game w/o Chase. It all comes down to coaching

[UKFlounder]

I can name a myriad of bad decisions by the front office but the Chase negotiations aren't one of them. He was still tied to the team for 2 more full seasons. They made him a generous offer. They couldn't come to an agreement. That's not on the front office. Rarely if ever does a non QB get a new contract at that point

I can see that reasoning, but if they felt that way, they should have just told him to wait a year. Once they opened negotiations, they should have finished them instead of letting the situation linger throughout training camp. The half-assed approach of starting to talk, but not being willing to wrap it up, was a mistake. I hope they don't repeat it this year, but I cannot say I am confident they won't. They were unable to sign Bates or Higgins before their contracts expired. A franchise tag would be unfortunate IMO

[Redsfaithful]

I don't think it's anything to do with pre-season and I don't think the starts are going to improve that much because I think the problem is this staff is a lot worse without opponent's game tape.

Think about it, this year was NE with a new QB and a new head coach both. The Bengals had a super vanilla weird game plan, I think it's the tape issue.

[LiferJim]

The Bengals have only themselves to blame.

Didn’t watch the game, but KC getting blown out 38-0 does make it appear they layed down, like I suggested they might.


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[WVRed]

I don't think it's anything to do with pre-season and I don't think the starts are going to improve that much because I think the problem is this staff is a lot worse without opponent's game tape.

Think about it, this year was NE with a new QB and a new head coach both. The Bengals had a super vanilla weird game plan, I think it's the tape issue.I actually predicted the Bengals would lose to New England.

They had lost Reader and hadn't adequately replaced him. Patriots strategy was going to be running Stevenson down their throat and it worked.

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[RiverRat13]

I can name a myriad of bad decisions by the front office but the Chase negotiations aren't one of them. He was still tied to the team for 2 more full seasons. They made him a generous offer. They couldn't come to an agreement. That's not on the front office. Rarely if ever does a non QB get a new contract at that point

Waddle, Sewell, Surtain, and D Smith were all non QB top 10 picks in the same draft as Chase and all got extensions last offseason. So not as rare as you think.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals have only themselves to blame.

Didn’t watch the game, but KC getting blown out 38-0 does make it appear they layed down, like I suggested they might.


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The Broncos are a better team, top to bottom. The Chiefs are so over-rated.

[Kingspoint]

The lesson of this season is sign your star players as soon as possible and take training camp seriously (Bengals haven't taken training camp seriously since Sam Wyche was coach).

San Francisco, who also dealt with their Star players holding out for most of training camp and pre-season, were even worse than the Bengals.

- - - Updated - - -

I'll be rooting for the Broncos and Chargers...anyone but the Chiefs.

[Kingspoint]

The team they'll play in the first round will kind of suck, so they'll get a nice tune up before playing Baltimore or Buffalo.

That's certainly not true at all.

- - - Updated - - -


So the Chiefs starters that are not playing today won't play in a game for a month?? Having the Bye? How can that be good

- - - Updated - - -

That 3rd TD off 2 deflections by Denver just toasted the Bengals season.. sigh

The four College teams that had bye's were outscored 41-3 in the 1st Quarter.

[Tony Cloninger]

The lesson of this season is sign your star players as soon as possible and take training camp seriously (Bengals haven't taken training camp seriously since Sam Wyche was coach).


All teams played more of their players for at least the last 2 of 4 PS games. Now no one really plays at the most 1 game.
Wyche teams started 0-5 and 0-3 his first two seasons. Lost their opener again in 1986. Cost them a playoff spot because they lost to KC who made the playoffs. Who scored less points than they allowed. I think they scored as many TD on defense and ST combined as they did on offense. Sam gets a lot of nostalgia love but he was always his own worst enemy and did less with more talent. I like the guy and that fun era but this year was just like 1985. 86. 89.

[Tony Cloninger]

My hesitation with that is in knowing who will be hiring his replacement. Does anybody really think the Browns and Blackburns are going to get a high-coveted or desired coach? They'll look for another assistant seeking his first job and making the salary of a first-time coach. Heck, Zac wasn't even an OC when they hired him - he was a QB coach. With Burrow here, would they go the same route, and just find another supposed "offensive master mind"?

I'm a bit skeptical about this scenario.



I agree with the hesitation and the lack of faith in their process. You think the Detroit OC would not like to coach this team? I know this is a Millineal or Gen Z type of stupid mentality but trolling the Steelers in the locker room after they are going to the playoffs. Do you think Tomlin pulls that crap? You’re going home probably if two teams don’t lose the next day. But you’re trolling?
Since that Burrowhead comment before that game and all the talking they did. They’ve turned into clowns who talk a lot.

Lou should still be fired.

He is the longest tenured DC now. Defense took all year to look better and still he should go.

29th
26th
18th
16th
31st
25th

[UKFlounder]

Paul Dehner:

BREAKING: Sources confirm #Bengals part ways with DC Lou Anarumo, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach James Bettcher and DL coach Marion Hobby.

[KoryMac5]

Paul Dehner:

BREAKING: Sources confirm #Bengals part ways with DC Lou Anarumo, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach James Bettcher and DL coach Marion Hobby.

I did not see that coming....heard rumors they were very unhappy with Lou not playing younger players and the late defensive surge spurred by the younger players.

[Tony Cloninger]

Paul Dehner:

BREAKING: Sources confirm #Bengals part ways with DC Lou Anarumo, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach James Bettcher and DL coach Marion Hobby.


Would you go after Salah? Better coordinator than HC.

[KoryMac5]

Dehner mentioned some names as replacements for DC list is based on past connections:



Al Golden
Christian Parker
Jim Leonhard
Aubrey Pleasant
Dennis Allen
Matt Eberflus
Robert Saleh
Mike Zimmer
Ejiro Evero

[Tony Cloninger]

Dehner mentioned some names as replacements for DC list is based on past connections:



Al Golden
Christian Parker
Jim Leonhard
Aubrey Pleasant
Dennis Allen
Matt Eberflus
Robert Saleh
Mike Zimmer
Ejiro Evero


Please with Zimmer. Loved the guy back then. Need someone who knows defenses now and recent success as a DC.

[WrongVerb]

Letting Pollack go is interesting. Makes sense given the OL play.

[WVRed]

Please with Zimmer. Loved the guy back then. Need someone who knows defenses now and recent success as a DC.Id rather see someone new.

Dennis Allen maybe?

I can't see Saleh being a good fit for reasons that would move this discussion to the P&R board.

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[The Operator]

Saleh would be my #1 choice on that list, but that’s admittedly because I don’t know the up and coming coordinators nearly as well as some others do.

I’d pass on Zimmer. He was great, but Dallas was pretty pedestrian this year, weren’t they? Plus his ultra aggressive style might not work as well with today’s generation of young players. Although it could be argued maybe some of them need that. I digress.

[WVRed]

I can honestly see the Steelers hiring Lou and tormenting us for years to come.

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[Tony Cloninger]

The FO valuing Guards as much as Safeties doesn’t help that position.

[Tony Cloninger]

Id rather see someone new.

Dennis Allen maybe?

I can't see Saleh being a good fit for reasons that would move this discussion to the P&R board.

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The P & R board? Interesting.

Jim Leohnard the LB coach at Denver. Also DC at Wisconsin.

The DB coach in KC. Merritt? Was interviewed by SF for their DC position before they stayed in house.

That’s all I know besides the former Bears coach.

[Sea Ray]

Waddle, Sewell, Surtain, and D Smith were all non QB top 10 picks in the same draft as Chase and all got extensions last offseason. So not as rare as you think.

How many of those were 1st rd draft picks that had their 5th yr option picked up by their teams?

[Roy Tucker]

I’m a little surprised Taylor kept his job. He’s the head coach. Putting the blame on assistant coaches is a chicken poop way out. Taylor sets the tenor for the team and his repeated failure to have the team ready at game 1 is inexcusable in my book.

[MWM]

First time in NFL history one team had the leader in passing, receiving, and sacks. So we got that going for us.....

[Sea Ray]

Saleh would be my #1 choice on that list, but that’s admittedly because I don’t know the up and coming coordinators nearly as well as some others do.

I’d pass on Zimmer. He was great, but Dallas was pretty pedestrian this year, weren’t they? Plus his ultra aggressive style might not work as well with today’s generation of young players. Although it could be argued maybe some of them need that. I digress.

Agreed. Dallas' D did not look good this year

Problem with Lou's D, I think, is that it's complicated for the players to grasp, hence their early season struggles. Last year it can be argued that they never grasped it

[KoryMac5]

I’m a little surprised Taylor kept his job. He’s the head coach. Putting the blame on assistant coaches is a chicken poop way out. Taylor sets the tenor for the team and his repeated failure to have the team ready at game 1 is inexcusable in my book.

Who says it was Taylors call...I am sure the FO had plenty of input and failed draft picks as ammo in letting guys go.

[Tony Cloninger]

Another possible candidate is Livingston who coached the DB here. Was a scout to start with. Now is the DC under Sanders in Colorado. Familiarity is a big thing with the family.

Since coaches count as scouts here. And there is double the coaches now on this staff compared to 10-15 years ago. Do we count that as having more scouts than just 6.

[chicoruiz]

I had thought that Saturday’s performance gave them a window to keep Lou if they wanted. Obviously they didn’t…

I think the job is Golden’s if he wants it; if not, my hunch is Aubrey Pleasant.

I’d almost rather have a run-of-the mill defensive coordinator and a great OL coach. It’s that important.

[Todd Gack]

I did not see that coming....heard rumors they were very unhappy with Lou not playing younger players and the late defensive surge spurred by the younger players.

Makes you wonder if some of those draft picks weren't really Lou's decisions or very little input.

[Ohayou]

I’m a little surprised Taylor kept his job. He’s the head coach. Putting the blame on assistant coaches is a chicken poop way out. Taylor sets the tenor for the team and his repeated failure to have the team ready at game 1 is inexcusable in my book.

Zac Taylor: 46-52-1, 5-2 in the playoffs
Marvin Lewis' first 6 years: 46-49-1, 0-1 in the playoffs

Marvin Lewis went on to coach for 10 more seasons. I'd get used to Zac Taylor's face lol. Maybe with Brown out of the picture that changes.

[WVRed]

I had thought that Saturday’s performance gave them a window to keep Lou if they wanted. Obviously they didn’t…

I think the job is Golden’s if he wants it; if not, my hunch is Aubrey Pleasant.

I’d almost rather have a run-of-the mill defensive coordinator and a great OL coach. It’s that important.I think it'll be Livingston

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[KoryMac5]

I think it'll be Livingston

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Dehner, Goldsmith, and others do not even have him as a candidate...but we have had shocks before.

[RiverRat13]

Makes you wonder if some of those draft picks weren't really Lou's decisions or very little input.

Either Duke would have to admit his picks were terrible or blame Lou for not coaching them up.

[RiverRat13]

Nobody wanted the DC job in Cincy when Lou got it in 2019. Now it should be a coveted position. Same with offensive line coach. Pollack is well regarded but he's a wide zone scheme guy and that's not the best fit with what the Bengals want to do offensively.

[chicoruiz]

I don’t know offhand who the Eagles assistant OL coach is, but that’s a place I’d begin my search…

[KoryMac5]

Taylor had his season ending press conference:

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/1/6/24337425/zac-taylor-cincinnati-bengals-coaching-staff

Taylor said the changes were his decision, he went to ownership after the season and felt changes were needed.

Said slow starts are on him and he has to get better to ensure they start the season better to ensure finishing games.

Will evaluate offseason program over next few months.

Said he was and is always willing to evolve the offense.

Lockstep with FO will have conversations about Tee and Chase extensions etc... they will talk through every player on the roster and evaluate it.

Feels the DC and OL jobs are very appealing.

Said he will look back at the season in the close games and see what he needs to do better.

Said he will not write anyone off for jobs based on experience level....though he did elude to they are in win now mode.

He values coordinators that get the most out of their players.

Wants to get Chase done this offseason...

Mike Brown communicated that we need to be better in his way and he was understanding of the moves we needed to make.

He feels an urgency to win every day made the moves based on expectations they have as a team.

Said ownership wants to win...

[Tony Cloninger]

The Mike Brown comments are cut and paste from going back to 1994 through until he stopped being the main mouthpiece.

We understand what the problems are and we want to win. Then quit procrastinating with contracts and encouraging bad feelings and hire more scouts. Whatever.

[WrongVerb]

The Mike Brown comments are cut and paste from going back to 1994 through until he stopped being the main mouthpiece.

We understand what the problems are and we want to win. Then quit procrastinating with contracts and encouraging bad feelings and hire more scouts. Whatever.

Mike Brown's problem is that he's trying to succeed with the blueprint his dad had in the 60s, and Mike refuses to go off that, even though the game has gone through about 5 revolutions since then.

[Kingspoint]

Mike Brown's problem is that he's trying to succeed with the blueprint his dad had in the 60s, and Mike refuses to go off that, even though the game has gone through about 5 revolutions since then.

I don't think Mike's been in charge of football operations for 4 or 5 years now.

[Sea Ray]

Taylor had his season ending press conference:

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/1/6/24337425/zac-taylor-cincinnati-bengals-coaching-staff

Taylor said the changes were his decision, he went to ownership after the season and felt changes were needed.

Said slow starts are on him and he has to get better to ensure they start the season better to ensure finishing games.

Will evaluate offseason program over next few months.

Said he was and is always willing to evolve the offense.

Lockstep with FO will have conversations about Tee and Chase extensions etc... they will talk through every player on the roster and evaluate it.

Feels the DC and OL jobs are very appealing.

Said he will look back at the season in the close games and see what he needs to do better.

Said he will not write anyone off for jobs based on experience level....though he did elude to they are in win now mode.

He values coordinators that get the most out of their players.

Wants to get Chase done this offseason...

Mike Brown communicated that we need to be better in his way and he was understanding of the moves we needed to make.

He feels an urgency to win every day made the moves based on expectations they have as a team.

Said ownership wants to win...

What took him so long to realize that we have to get off to better starts? I’ve been saying that for years. 3 seasons ago we lost the AFC Championship game in KC. It would have been played in Cincinnati if we hadn’t started so poorly


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[KoryMac5]

What took him so long to realize that we have to get off to better starts? I’ve been saying that for years. 3 seasons ago we lost the AFC Championship game in KC. It would have been played in Cincinnati if we hadn’t started so poorly


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He was responding to a direct question about what they could do to start faster...it was not a sudden epiphany. I think getting Burrow going quicker will be front and center his stats in the first 2 games of the season are pretty pedestrian for an all world QB.

[Boss-Hog]

I don't think Mike's been in charge of football operations for 4 or 5 years now.I don't think he's been the sole decision maker for quite some time (longer than four to five years), but I strongly suspect the buck still stops with him as long as he's around. Additionally, I don't see anything to suggest that Katie (along with Troy) and Paul are going to run the team drastically differently than their dad when the baton is officially passed to them.

[UKFlounder]

I don't think he's been the sole decision maker for quite some time (longer than four to five years), but I strongly suspect the buck still stops with him as long as he's around. Additionally, I don't see anything to suggest that Katie (along with Troy) and Paul are going to run the team drastically differently than their dad when the baton is officially passed to them.

Yeah, it was Troy who told Andrew Whitworth he wasn’t worth what he was asking. That was a very typical Bengals move, no matter hus last name, and he’s still obviously an influential figure in the organization . He’s almost the Phil Castellini of football.

[Sea Ray]

He was responding to a direct question about what they could do to start faster...it was not a sudden epiphany. I think getting Burrow going quicker will be front and center his stats in the first 2 games of the season are pretty pedestrian for an all world QB.

He's been there long enough. He should know by now how to start a season. It's somewhat on Burrow but a lot of it is on the defense. They don't seem to know who to cover in these early games

[WVRed]

Patrick Graham (Raiders DC) and DeMarcus Covington (Patriots DC) are interviewing for the job.

Not very inspiring so far.

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[Ky Fried Redleg]

I’m a little surprised Taylor kept his job. He’s the head coach. Putting the blame on assistant coaches is a chicken poop way out. Taylor sets the tenor for the team and his repeated failure to have the team ready at game 1 is inexcusable in my book.

Agree with every word of this except for the first 8 words.

[KoryMac5]

Patrick Graham (Raiders DC) and DeMarcus Covington (Patriots DC) are interviewing for the job.

Not very inspiring so far.

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Graham is very well respected around the NFL has been interviewed for HC jobs. Worked with Hoodie on the Pats as well as Flores in Miami. Plays a 3-4 base but used a 4-3 in LV due to Crosby's fit. PFF had him ranked 10th for DC's. Covington I don't know much about other than the Pats D was not very good last season, he was with the Pats for several years.

[Boss-Hog]

Covington I don't know much about other than the Pats D was not very good last season, he was with the Pats for several years.

The Bengals struggled against his defense, and I think we all know how impressionable they are to that sort of thing.

[bucksfan2]

Yeah, it was Troy who told Andrew Whitworth he wasn’t worth what he was asking. That was a very typical Bengals move, no matter hus last name, and he’s still obviously an influential figure in the organization . He’s almost the Phil Castellini of football.

Didn't Whitworth pretty much agree with the Bengals at the time? Whit was a great Bengal, and it sucked to see him go, but giving out big contracts to OLinemen who are 10 years into a career is a recipe for disaster. I am glad it worked out for Whit, he went to LA and got his Super Bowl (just wish it hadn't come at the expense of the Bengals) but it was the right move to let him go.

I don't think Mike Brown is a decision maker anymore. I do think there are some things the Bengals do right, but can be pretty inflexible about. They don't like to give players their 2nd free agent contract. It makes sense, but sometimes you need to adjust. I don't know who makes the draft decision(s) but lately they have missed more than they have hit. Something needs to change in that regard.

For as bad as this season seemed, they are 5 plays away from being 14-3? This season just seemed like one of those anomalies where they found different ways to lose. If you take out the first Pitt game, and the Eagles game, they had good chance to win each and every other game they played.

[WVRed]

Didn't Whitworth pretty much agree with the Bengals at the time? Whit was a great Bengal, and it sucked to see him go, but giving out big contracts to OLinemen who are 10 years into a career is a recipe for disaster. I am glad it worked out for Whit, he went to LA and got his Super Bowl (just wish it hadn't come at the expense of the Bengals) but it was the right move to let him go.It was the right move, just not the right picks (Ogubehi and Fisher) to replace him.

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[Ky Fried Redleg]

What took him so long to realize that we have to get off to better starts? I’ve been saying that for years. 3 seasons ago we lost the AFC Championship game in KC. It would have been played in Cincinnati if we hadn’t started so poorly


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Yeah, the slow starts definitely fall back on Zac. And what was with that gameplan against New England this season? You had all that time to prepare a WK 1 gameplan and you come out with that. Inexcuseable!!!

[WVRed]

Yeah, the slow starts definitely fall back on Zac. And what was with that gameplan against New England this season? You had all that time to prepare a WK 1 gameplan and you come out with that. Inexcuseable!!!Tee was out and Chase was in a pissing match over his contract.

Not to mention BJ Hill and Kris Jenkins were out leaving the Bengals exposed on run defense which fed into about the only strength the Patriots had on offense.

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[Tony Cloninger]

Maybe Pierce would consider the DC job and a chance to show he deserves a 2nd chance as HC.

[Kingspoint]

I don't think he's been the sole decision maker for quite some time (longer than four to five years), but I strongly suspect the buck still stops with him as long as he's around. Additionally, I don't see anything to suggest that Katie (along with Troy) and Paul are going to run the team drastically differently than their dad when the baton is officially passed to them.

Agree.

[Kingspoint]

Didn't Whitworth pretty much agree with the Bengals at the time? Whit was a great Bengal, and it sucked to see him go, but giving out big contracts to OLinemen who are 10 years into a career is a recipe for disaster. I am glad it worked out for Whit, he went to LA and got his Super Bowl (just wish it hadn't come at the expense of the Bengals) but it was the right move to let him go.

I don't think Mike Brown is a decision maker anymore. I do think there are some things the Bengals do right, but can be pretty inflexible about. They don't like to give players their 2nd free agent contract. It makes sense, but sometimes you need to adjust. I don't know who makes the draft decision(s) but lately they have missed more than they have hit. Something needs to change in that regard.

For as bad as this season seemed, they are 5 plays away from being 14-3? This season just seemed like one of those anomalies where they found different ways to lose. If you take out the first Pitt game, and the Eagles game, they had good chance to win each and every other game they played.

They went the entire season with an utterly crappy kicking game that effected decisions in every contest and cost them at least two games. If not for the Kicking game, I think Anarumo still has his job as they would have been in the playoffs with an 11-6 record, at least a 5-Seed, and a lot of momentum.

[Kingspoint]

Chase was in a pissing match over his contract.



That was huge, and the backup Receivers were awful. The Right Tackle wasn't in shape. The backup Right Tackle was hurt. Geno Stone sucked for most of the season.

[Sea Ray]

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed


Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is accused of assaulting a woman he was dating, but she refused to press charges, Cincinnati police reports show.

An assault was reported the morning of Dec. 30, just days before the Cincinnati Bengals nixed Burton from traveling with the team to Pittsburgh, the last game of the season.

Reports show Burton and the woman met in September and dated on and off in the month prior to the alleged assault.

The two had been out together and argued before the incident in the woman's Oakley neighborhood apartment, reports show. After the night out, police were called and the woman said Burton met her at her apartment, chased her inside, damaged her phone and assaulted her, including choking her. The caller said before leaving, Burton held a knife to his neck and threatened to kill himself.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/01/08/jermaine-burton-news-bengals-wide-receiver-accused-assault/77542872007/

This sounds like one messed up dude. Chris Henry seemed more sane than this

[LiferJim]

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed



https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/01/08/jermaine-burton-news-bengals-wide-receiver-accused-assault/77542872007/

This sounds like one messed up dude. Chris Henry seemed more sane than this

Wow! She is probably too afraid to press charges. Cut this guy immediately after details are confirmed.


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[WVRed]

Maybe Pierce would consider the DC job and a chance to show he deserves a 2nd chance as HC.I could get behind this.

He really changed the culture of the Raiders after McDaniels tried to make them the second coming of the Patriots.

I think he and Taylor would fit well in that regard. Only thing I see is he hasn't had any NFL experience as a defensive coordinator (did it in college at Arizona State under Herm Edwards)

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[Todd Gack]

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed



https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/01/08/jermaine-burton-news-bengals-wide-receiver-accused-assault/77542872007/

This sounds like one messed up dude. Chris Henry seemed more sane than this

You do know how Chris Henry passed away, right?

[Kingspoint]

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed



https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/01/08/jermaine-burton-news-bengals-wide-receiver-accused-assault/77542872007/

This sounds like one messed up dude. Chris Henry seemed more sane than this

Move on from him. Don't need this crap around the team.

[Tony Cloninger]

I could get behind this.

He really changed the culture of the Raiders after McDaniels tried to make them the second coming of the Patriots.

I think he and Taylor would fit well in that regard. Only thing I see is he hasn't had any NFL experience as a defensive coordinator (did it in college at Arizona State under Herm Edwards)

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At least he did in college. While I prefer Salah they are not going to overpay to bring him in knowing he would also leave after 1 year of success. Which I would not doubt he would. I think they are waiting for the DB coach from Denver as a possibility. They will try to save money on the hire if they can. Not going to say cheap out on it.