3 Bengals who should be benched or fired after Week 13: Zac Taylor deserves heat

The Cincinnati Bengals’ disappointing performance in the 2024 season, including a 4-8 record after Week 13, has ignited calls for accountability within the organization. Key figures, including head coach Zac Taylor, are facing scrutiny for their roles in the team’s struggles. Here’s a breakdown of three Bengals who, based on their performances and decisions, should be considered for benching or dismissal to initiate a turnaround.

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### **1. Zac Taylor – Head Coach**

Zac Taylor, who led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season, has found his seat heating up as Cincinnati’s struggles continue. Despite having one of the most talented quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and a dynamic offensive lineup, Taylor’s game management and strategic decisions have been increasingly criticized.

#### **Reasons for Scrutiny**:
– **Inconsistent Offensive Play-Calling**: Taylor’s offensive schemes have been criticized for lacking adaptability. Defenses have figured out ways to pressure Burrow, yet the team hasn’t adjusted effectively, particularly in the running game.
– **Failure to Build a Complementary Defense**: While Taylor isn’t the sole decision-maker for roster construction, as the head coach, he holds responsibility for the team’s inability to field a balanced roster. The Bengals’ defense has been unable to support their high-powered offense, frequently losing games despite strong performances from Burrow.
– **Lack of Team Identity**: The Bengals under Taylor have oscillated between different styles of play without establishing a clear identity. This lack of direction has exacerbated the team’s inability to rebound during the season.

If the Bengals don’t demonstrate significant improvement in the remaining weeks, Taylor’s tenure as head coach could—and perhaps should—be in jeopardy.

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### **2. Lou Anarumo – Defensive Coordinator**

Lou Anarumo, credited for his innovative defensive schemes in prior seasons, has seen his unit falter in 2024. The Bengals’ defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, leaving the team unable to capitalize on Burrow’s performances.

#### **Key Issues**:
– **Defensive Regression**: Once a strength, the Bengals’ defense has regressed in stopping the run and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Poor performances in critical situations have cost the team several games.
– **Lack of Player Development**: Talented players such as Myles Murphy, a first-round pick, have failed to make an impact under Anarumo’s guidance. Developing young talent is a crucial aspect of any defensive coordinator’s role, and the Bengals haven’t seen enough growth from their recent acquisitions.
– **Mismanagement of Personnel**: Anarumo’s inability to adjust his defensive schemes to maximize the strengths of his roster has been glaring. This mismanagement is evident in the team’s struggles against both the pass and the run, as well as a lack of turnovers generated.

A change at the defensive coordinator position could be a necessary step for the Bengals to rebuild confidence on that side of the ball.

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### **3. Jonah Williams – Offensive Tackle**

Jonah Williams, a former first-round pick, has had a tumultuous career in Cincinnati, and his struggles have been particularly evident this season. As part of an offensive line tasked with protecting Burrow, Williams’ underperformance has been costly.

#### **Performance Concerns**:
– **Pass Protection Issues**: Despite moving to right tackle this season, Williams has failed to provide consistent protection for Burrow. His inability to handle speed rushers has led to costly sacks and disrupted drives.
– **Run-Blocking Deficiencies**: Williams’ struggles extend to the running game, where he has been unable to create effective lanes for Joe Mixon and the Bengals’ backfield.
– **Injury History**: Williams has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and while he’s stayed healthy this season, his durability remains a concern for the team long-term.

With Burrow’s health and confidence critical to the team’s success, upgrading the offensive line should be a priority. If Williams cannot improve his performance, the Bengals should consider benching him or moving on entirely.

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### **A Broader Look at Accountability**

While these three figures stand out, the Bengals’ woes are not the fault of any single individual. The team’s front office also bears responsibility for failing to address key weaknesses. Decisions such as letting defensive lineman D.J. Reader leave in free agency or not securing long-term contracts for key players like Tee Higgins have limited the Bengals’ flexibility and depth.

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### **Steps to Address the Issues**

To move forward, the Bengals must take decisive actions:

1. **Reassess Coaching Staff**: If Taylor and Anarumo cannot demonstrate improvement in the final weeks, the Bengals should explore new coaching candidates with proven records of maximizing roster potential.

2. **Revamp the Offensive Line**: Protecting Burrow must be a top priority. This means investing in free agents or high draft picks to bolster the line.

3. **Rebuild Defensive Depth**: The Bengals must address glaring holes on the defensive line and in the secondary, ensuring they can compete against high-powered offenses.

4. **Front Office Accountability**: The organization must make more aggressive moves in free agency and the draft to ensure that Burrow’s prime years aren’t wasted.

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### **Conclusion**

The Bengals entered the 2024 season with high expectations but now find themselves on the verge of missing the playoffs. The team’s struggles highlight systemic issues that extend from the coaching staff to individual player performances. Zac Taylor, Lou Anarumo, and Jonah Williams symbolize the broader challenges the franchise faces. If Cincinnati wants to maximize the potential of its roster—particularly Joe Burrow—it must be willing to make tough decisions, including benching or firing underperformers. Accountability and decisive action are essential to turning the Bengals’ fortunes around.