Zac Taylor Confirms His Playcalling Role Despite Bengals’ Losing Streak
Bengals coach Zac Taylor has confirmed that he will continue to serve as the offensive playcaller, despite the team’s recent three-game losing streak. The decision comes after the 37-24 home loss to the Detroit Lions, where Cincinnati only managed to score 3 points in the first three quarters. Taylor took on this dual responsibility since becoming head coach in 2019. “I feel very comfortable,” Taylor stated. “It’s a fair question. We scored 3 points in three games in the first half. I totally get it. But for now, it will stay the same.” The absence of starting quarterback Joe Burrow, due to a toe injury suffered in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has coincided with the team’s worst offensive performance in Taylor’s seven years. Jake Browning has been the starter in the last three games.Despite the common practice of head coaches assuming both roles, there have been recent cases of separation of duties in other teams. Brian Callahan, former offensive coordinator for Taylor on the Tennessee Titans, recently relinquished his playcalling responsibilities. After five games, Cincinnati (2-3) finds itself at the bottom of several important statistical categories. The Bengals rank 30th in points per drive (1.52), 31st in yards per play (4.3), and are tied for 28th in offensive points per game (17).“I rely on them as much as I think any playcaller in the league relies on anyone else,” Taylor commented.
Zac Taylor, Bengals coach
While the playcalling situation is defined, the quarterback situation remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against Green Bay (2-1-1). Taylor indicated that the decision on whether Browning will be the starter will be made in the days leading up to Wednesday, the first practice of the week. The Bengals offensive coordinator, Dan Pitcher, had a long conversation with Browning on Monday after the quarterback threw three interceptions against the Lions, bringing his season total to eight.“Finding more opportunities for our key players to get the ball and finding ways to give them easy touches that can generate productivity in our offense,” Taylor said when asked about how he can improve as a playcaller. “We haven’t been productive enough. I’m not worried about the stats right now. I care about wins.”
Zac Taylor, Bengals coach
Pitcher added that the offensive problems go beyond Browning.“You want to see him succeed,” Pitcher said. “At the same time, it’s a results-based business, and you know the game has to be better. He knows that, and you’re just trying to help him get through it.”
Dan Pitcher, Bengals offensive coordinator
“We have to be ready to play our best football,” Pitcher said. “Collectively, we haven’t come close to doing it.”
Dan Pitcher, Bengals offensive coordinator
