Will the Zac Taylor era come to an end in 2025-26?
The Cincinnati Bengals are in desperate need of returning to the NFL Playoffs after missing the postseason in back-to-back years.
The franchise simply can’t afford to miss out on a Super Bowl run with the Joe Burrow (Super Bowl window) era in full swing.
Although the team has had success since bringing in Zac Taylor, one major outlet thinks the Taylor era is going to come to an end after this upcoming season.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports is unsure if Taylor can get Cincinnati back into the postseason: “Taylor will need to get the Bengals back into the playoffs to keep his job, and it’s no sure thing he’ll be able to do that.”
Sullivan continued saying, “On top of playing in a division with the Baltimore Ravens and the new-look Pittsburgh Steelers with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Cincinnati defense has major questions. The team is currently embroiled in contract spats with pass rushers Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. Hendrickson’s situation could ultimately lead to a trade, which would make a defense that allowed 25.5 points per game (tied for the fifth-highest in the NFL) even worse. And the offense may not be able to bail them out, either. Last season, the Bengals lost six games despite the offense scoring 25 points. They also lost two games despite a 38-point output from the offense. All of that doesn’t exactly bode well for Taylor in what feels like a make-or-break season.”
Sullivan went on to predict Taylor will be fired following the 2025 NFL season.
There is quite a bit of information in this, but I do agree with one thing: There is a massive question mark attached to the Bengals’ defense this season.
Can Al Golden and a few additions turn the ship around? We will see.
I have no doubt the offense will be even better than last season and will likely carry the team to many wins this upcoming season.
I also believe the team will get back to the postseason, but it will be challenging with how talented the AFC has become.
As long as Joe Burrow is healthy, I feel the team always has a chance.
