The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals season has been a frustrating one for fans, as the team struggles to find consistent success despite the exceptional performances of key players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Mike Gesicki. Burrow, in particular, is playing some of the best football of his career, but the Bengals’ current record doesn’t reflect the talent and effort he and his teammates are putting in. The team has a potent offense, yet the overall results remain disappointing, largely due to issues on the defensive side and questionable coaching decisions.
The Bengals’ offensive talent is undeniable, but their inconsistency on defense has left fans wondering what’s holding them back. Many are beginning to question if head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo are the root cause. Coaching choices impact every play, and with the Bengals repeatedly failing to close out games or start seasons strong, doubts are growing. Although it’s unlikely that any coaching changes will happen mid-season, a second consecutive year without playoffs could put Taylor and Anarumo’s jobs on the line.
One of the most troubling aspects of the Bengals’ season has been the perception that Burrow’s talent is being wasted by poor decision-making on the sidelines. Burrow, Chase, Hendrickson, and Gesicki have all had standout seasons individually, yet Cincinnati is sitting at a 4-6 record, which doesn’t reflect their efforts. A major factor in this is the slow starts the team experiences season after season. This recurring issue can often be traced back to coaching decisions, especially during high-stakes moments.
Fans have grown increasingly vocal in their criticisms of Zac Taylor’s coaching style, which sometimes appears too conservative and other times overly aggressive. For example, in Week 10, Taylor put his faith in Burrow by going for it on multiple fourth downs, but most of these attempts were unsuccessful. One of the most controversial calls was his decision to go for a two-point conversion late in the game, rather than opting for a game-tying extra point. While the intent to end the game without risking overtime was understandable, especially against a team led by Lamar Jackson, the unsuccessful attempt handed Baltimore the win. This instance underscores a season where Burrow’s impressive stats have not translated into wins, highlighting the impact coaching decisions have on the team’s performance.
The Bengals’ defense has also been inconsistent, fluctuating between solid and lackluster performances. While star players like Trey Hendrickson are having standout seasons—Hendrickson, for instance, leads the league in sacks—other areas of the defense have struggled to keep up. Week 10’s game against the Ravens is a prime example, where numerous missed tackles allowed Jackson to evade defenders and gain crucial yardage. The defense struggled to contain him, giving him ample time to make plays and escape pressure, while the Ravens’ defense was relentless against Burrow. This disparity exposed a major weakness in the Bengals’ defensive line, which has struggled to keep opposing offenses in check.
In Week 8, the Bengals’ defense also faltered against the Philadelphia Eagles, who were able to score and gain yardage with relative ease. These lapses raise the question of whether the Bengals’ defense could benefit from fresh leadership or a new approach. With a talented core that includes Hendrickson and promising rookies, it’s possible that new defensive strategies and coaching could maximize their potential. This inconsistency on defense, combined with questionable coaching calls on offense, has made it difficult for Cincinnati to achieve the success expected from a team with so much talent on its roster.
As the season continues, the Bengals find themselves at a crossroads. The team has all the pieces needed for success, yet struggles to put it all together. Burrow is having a career-best season, but without significant adjustments in coaching strategy, his potential might go unfulfilled this year. Should Cincinnati miss the playoffs again, serious consideration will need to be given to the possibility of a coaching overhaul. With a highly talented roster and a fanbase eager for a championship run, the Bengals need coaching that can make the most of their assets and elevate them to the next level.
