Bengals’ Slow Starts Under Zac Taylor Highlighted as Key Issue

The Cincinnati Bengals‘ recurring issue of slow starts under head coach Zac Taylor has become a focal point of criticism as the team enters the offseason following another playoff miss. Taylor, who has a 1-11 record in the first two weeks of the season since taking over in 2019, faces mounting pressure to address the problem.

Former Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, a key figure during his tenure with the team, emphasized the need for change during a recent podcast appearance. “You’ve gotta adjust camp, you’ve gotta adjust your philosophy in the first few weeks,” Whitworth said. “Whatever that is, you’ve gotta do something to address these issues.”

Despite strong finishes in recent seasons, including a 5-1 record in the final six games of the 2024 season, the Bengals’ early struggles have consistently derailed their playoff aspirations. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who led the NFL in completions, completion percentage (76.2%), and passing yards during that stretch, has been a bright spot. However, injuries and inconsistent performances early in the season have plagued the team.

Taylor has hinted at potential changes to the team’s offseason preparation, but specifics remain unclear. “At some point, you’ve got to sit there as Zac Taylor and say, ‘How do we fix the last three seasons of how we started the year?'” Whitworth added. The Bengals’ inability to find a solution could have significant implications for Taylor’s future with the franchise.

The team’s defense, which showed improvement late in the season, also faces uncertainty after the departure of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Bengals are expected to prioritize hiring a new coordinator and addressing key roster needs as they aim to rebound in 2025.