Is Zac Taylor on the hot seat right now?
By: Jake Rajala
The Cincinnati Bengals have lost a spark since making it to the Super Bowl. Their offensive line is better than the Bengals OL unit that won the AFC Championship. Yet, they are struggling. So, why is that?
Burrow’s defense has left him out to dry. The Bengals were 30th in PPG allowed last season. He threw a league high 4,918 passing yards and a league high 43 touchdowns. It shouldn’t come to a surprise that Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo told Burrow that he’s the second best QB in the league.
I don’t believe that Taylor should be on the hot seat. It isn’t Taylor’s fault that Burrow only played in 10 games last season. The Bengals GM needs to help give Taylor a defense that can be a Top-20 unit. It doesn’t have to be the 1985 Bears defense.
If Burrow stays healthy and they still sink to the bottom, then I’d say Taylor should be locked out of the facility. So, what would be a logical path for Taylor, if he is fired?
I could see him being an offensive coordinator for a quality team, such as Mike McDaniel joining forces with the LA Chargers as their OC. Furthermore, he could reunite with Sean McVay on the LA Rams squad as an assistant.
If he wants to swing for the fences and be an HC for another team, here are a few options.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens crown jewel has to be Lamar Jackson. I’d prefer to see an offensive genius work with LJ, rather than a young DC Jesse Minter. Derrick Henry is also on his last legs (as he’s 32). Minter should help their defense, nonetheless. The Ravens were 18th in PPG allowed and 19th in takeaways last season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I could see a new, young QB joining brand new, young head coach in 2027. Taylor could work his wonders with some young QB, amid a less than average NFC South division. The Bucs also lost their potential Hall of Fame WR in Mike Evans. On defense, they lost Lavonte David and Vita Vea may be on his way out. Clearly, they could use a rebuild.
Washington Commanders
Someone needs to fix Jayden Daniels. He may suffer from another season of poor decisions and coaching. Let’s not forget Daniels was in the NFC Championship as a rookie. They also need more weapons, as Deebo Samuel is gone, and Scary Terry is 30 years old.
Zac Taylor has a legit shot at returning to the Super Bowl if the connection between Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase is cooking. I’d also like to see Sexy Dexy blow up the opposing running game.
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