The Bengals suffered another one-score loss on Sunday, and the team now sits at 4-7 as a result. The bye week could present the opportunity to make changes in the lineup and/or on the sidelines, but that will not be the case. 
“I think we all watch the game and we can see it’s just coming down to one play in every single game,” head coach Zac Taylor said (via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer). “So why would you make a big wholesale change? That to me is just panic. That’s not what we’re about. We believe in what we’re doing.”
Quarterback Joe Burrow leads the league in completions (274), yards (3,028) and touchdown passes (27) through 11 games, but that effectiveness has often not translated to wins in 2024. Cincinnati was beaten handily by Philadelphia in Week 8, but otherwise the team’s losses have been decided by an average of 3.8 points. That lends itself to continuity amongst the coaching staff; Taylor and Co. nevertheless certainly have a number of areas to improve on during the bye.
The Bengals rank 28th in the league in points allowed, and the team has amassed underwhelming totals against both the pass and run this season. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been in place since Taylor’s HC tenure began in 2019, and his unit posted a sixth-place finish in scoring defense in 2022. A repeat of that showing was not expected this year – nor would it be necessary for sustained success given the level of Burrow’s performances – but an uptick in play after the bye would help Cincinnati’s chances of a late wild-card run. Anarumo has drawn head coaching interest in the past, although 2024 has likely not helped his stock.
Taylor operates as the offense’s play-caller, so the role of offensive coordinator is one which is also unlikely to receive considerable attention over the coming days. Dan Pitcher is in place as OC after Brian Callahan took the Titans’ head coaching gig this past offseason. The Bengals have not been effective on the ground in 2024, but their passing efficiency has left them sixth in the NFL in scoring and ninth in total offense.
Special teams have generally been a strength under Taylor, but the kicking game has been an issue in 2024. Evan McPherson (who landed a three-year extension this summer) has connected on only 15 of 21 field goal attempts this season, a critical factor given the team’s close losses. A rebound in that regard could go a long way toward a late-year playoff push. In any event, Cincinnati will maintain the status quo coming out of the bye.
lol Zac is a bum, “we believe in what we’re doing” and what exactly are you doing? You’re losing football games
Sounds like they’re dumb. Per usual, Bunguls suck. I’ve been massively criticized in the past for saying so.
Problem starts with the inept Brown family, lack of scouting dept, and GM. It’s a hillbilly organization who hires every family member possible into jobs they have no right doing. It’s embarrassing. Also, Zack Taylor is a joke. This winning window has slammed shut. There will be zero changes during the offseason. Anyone who’s been around knows how things work around here.
Mike Brown never pays for anyone. This is why it’s the least valuable NFL franchise. Joe Burrow will be the modern day Dan Marino while he’s the owner.
I wonder if they’ll bring in Joe Brady as head coach to reunite him with Burrow and Chase.
I agree with Cincy Sapper 2 in that Zak Taylor is a self proclaimed football guru. He’s been the problem the whole time it’s just that the team was so good they overcame his inadequacies. I’ve said from the get go that they were winning in spite of Taylor, not because of him. The offensive coordinator should be calling the plays, not the head coach, in fact Joe Burrow should be allowed to call his own plays in my humble opinion. He’s out there seeing what’s happening with the defense and could make adjustments. The problem isn’t Mike Brown, it’s the same thing that happened with the Reds. Zac Taylor is more like a buddy than a coach. He’s almost the same age as these guys and why should they listen to a young guy who hasn’t exactly been a superstar in the sport. The Bengals need an older coach to guide these guys along, just like the Reds hired Terry Francona to mentor the younger team. I also think the NFL has figured out Lou Anaramo. He was good in 21 and 22, but these last two years he’s slipping. This is just my opinion, but it seems fairly obvious.