One of the most notable aspects of Cincinnati’s victory on Thursday was the absence of a key player. Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was ruled out for the 33-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaking a four-game losing streak. Over the last two years, Taylor-Britt has experienced moments where he has been removed from the lineup. The most recent was in the Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos. However, Thursday represented an unprecedented event for the 2022 second-round pick. Despite this setback, Cincinnati still hopes that 26-year-old Taylor-Britt can turn the situation around.
I would love for him to respond and have a great run here. I enjoy being around Cam. I really want the best for him, and I really hope he gets the chance to really turn the page and come out of this really, really well in the next half of the season.
Al Golden, Bengals defensive coordinator
Before this season, the former Nebraska standout had started in 38 of his 39 appearances as the team’s outside cornerback. He also started in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. In Week 2, he did not start, but played 90% of the team’s defensive plays. A hamstring injury kept him out of the following week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
When he returned, it became clear that his role was in jeopardy. He played only five plays in the Week 4 loss to the Broncos, being relegated to the bench after allowing a key play. Taylor-Britt had a missed coverage in Week 6 on a late play against the Green Bay Packers that allowed them to secure the victory. That led to what happened on Thursday night. After the game, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Taylor-Britt’s status was due to giving other players opportunities to play. DJ Turner II continued to make the most of his plays. He played a key role in forcing an interception before snatching the ball from Pittsburgh’s DK Metcalf for another interception that Golden said was one of the best he’s seen in his years in the league. Cincinnati’s first-year defensive coordinator praised Turner and noted that he was in a similar situation to Taylor-Britt less than two months ago.What has worked for Turner could also help Taylor-Britt regain playing time. On Monday, Taylor said that weekly and daily consistency can change the cornerback’s situation.He’s changed his whole process. He’s committed at an elite level right now. He’s the same guy every day and it’s consistency that allows growth and he’s not regressing.
Al Golden on DJ Turner II
Throughout his struggles this season, Taylor-Britt has never shied away from trying to prove why his value was once so high. In 2023 and 2024, he had a total of seven interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns. He did the same on Monday. Taylor-Britt answered questions in the locker room and acknowledged the need to keep working to improve.He has talent, a lot of energy, he wants to do the right thing. Just keep working on it.
Zac Taylor, Bengals coach
I think that’s part of being an NFL player no matter what. Shit, you sit, you have to watch, come back, be better. You get the opportunity and then you take advantage of it.
Cam Taylor-Britt
