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The Bengals have parted ways with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin after just nine games and 10 weeks of the 2018 NFL season. It comes after Austin’s defense allowed 500+ yards in three straight games, which is the first time that has ever happened in NFL history.
The Bengals failed to slow down the Chiefs or Saints in the past three games, and the defense also almost let the Buccaneers come back in the fourth quarter of what should have been a blowout win.
As a result, Marvin Lewis is assuming the defensive coordinator duties for the remainder of the season.
Cincinnati hired Austin this offseason after the Lions changed head coaches. His calling card was creating turnovers. While his defense did manage to do better than 2017's defense at creating turnovers (which isn't saying much as they were one of the worst in that area last season), the defense has been so much worse at stopping opposing offenses that it hasn't been worth the trouble.
This is a move that is surprising though considering how much of a chance the Bengals usually give their coaches to turn things around. The Bengals fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese after just two games last season, which was the first time in Bengals history that the team fired a coordinator in the middle of a season. Now, they’ve done it twice in two years.
How do you feel about the decision to get rid of Austin?
Poll
What do you think about the Bengals decision to fire Teryl Austin?
This poll is closed
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74%
It's about time!
(2639 votes) -
23%
It's okay, but I don't see what it changes
(829 votes) -
1%
I wish they would've given him more time
(68 votes)
What do you think about Marvin Lewis taking over the DC role?
Poll
What do you think about Marvin Lewis taking over the DC role?
This poll is closed
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44%
Good plan!
(972 votes) -
39%
Whatever.
(863 votes) -
15%
Horrible idea.
(331 votes)
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