The Cincinnati Bengals keep finding ways to lose in excruciating fashion. After letting the New York Jets rally late against them in Week 8, the Bengals were the ones attempting a comeback in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. While they briefly pulled off a wild rally, their defense fell apart at the worst possible time, allowing the Bears to secure a 47-42 victory.
Although the offense has been moving the ball well with Joe Flacco under center, the defense simply cannot get stops. This situation has created quite a challenge for head coach Zac Taylor.
### Coaching Changes: Zac Taylor Stands Firm
There has been significant finger-pointing following this loss, prompting Taylor to address his coaching staff’s future. Despite the struggles, Taylor announced that he does **not** plan on making changes to his coaching staff.
Entering the 2025 season, it was clear the Bengals could face defensive issues. With so much investment in offensive stars like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, the front office had limited flexibility to improve the defense during the offseason. For example, Trey Hendrickson’s contract was not finalized until just before the start of the campaign.
While Burrow’s toe injury complicated the offense, Flacco’s arrival has helped stabilize it. Since Flacco took over as starter, Cincinnati’s offense is averaging an impressive 32.8 points per game, which should be enough to win games. However, the defense has been allowing 36 points per game, resulting in a 1-3 record over that stretch.
All eyes are on first-year defensive coordinator Al Golden, who currently appears to have no clear answers. Although the roster presents challenges, no defense should allow over 35 points per game as the Bengals have recently.
Taylor commented on the situation:
“No. These are good football coaches. They’ve been successful everywhere they’ve been. We’re still in the first half of the season. We all know we got to play better as a football team. There’s been challenges our offense has faced over the course of the season. We worked through them. We’re playing better for it. There’s challenges our defense is facing right now. I’m confident that we’re going to work through it. We’re going to play better football and find a way to win some games. I believe in these guys. Absolutely. We’ll continue to work through it and find solutions.”
### Should Zac Taylor Fire Al Golden?
Golden earned widespread acclaim for turning the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s defense into one of college football’s best units during his three seasons as defensive coordinator. That success led Taylor to believe Golden could restore the Bengals’ defense.
Instead, defensive performance has deteriorated, raising questions about Golden’s job security after just nine games.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on both Golden and Taylor to see how they address the defensive struggles and whether the Bengals can find their footing.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/zac-taylor-staff-changes-al-golden/