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The Cincinnati Bengals got a makeover this offseason. Their coaching staff almost underwent a complete overhaul. So far, it seems like this change will good for the Queen City’s beloved team.
After three-straight losing season, rookie head coach Zac Taylor, who has already been disrespected by national media, is taking his first job as a head coach seriously. That being said, Taylor’s brought some of the tactics he learned from the young and impressive Sean McVay to Cincinnati.
Taylor’s taking the phrase “practice makes perfect” to a whole new level. Per John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Taylor wants his practices to embrace competition at every position.
“That was a good one,” Taylor said. “So you just take that idea, and you do some other stuff on the field and try to create your own scoring systems. Again, when it’s scripted the guys are out there and, yeah, they’re giving their all. But it’s a little bit different when there’s something on the line. And it’s competitive, and there’s a scoring system in place. So we just want to provide as much competition as possible.”
There are multiple question marks that are going to surround Cincinnati, a team with one of the easiest schedules, in 2019. Many have been answered by Taylor and the new system that he’s implementing.
Additionally, this team has filled many of the holes that plagued them last season.
The offensive line has improved with arguably the draft’s best offensive lineman. The defense gained a few players back from injury, improving a slight amount. A.J. Green and Andy Dalton are healthy. Joe Mixon is ready for a breakout season.
Behind the prepared and hungry Taylor, this team is prepared to thrive this season.
Many are doubting the Taylor-led Bengals. However, for reasons like his competitive practice, expect Taylor to make his presence felt, much like McVay has in his first few seasons in the league.
The setup Taylor has made for practices should reap dividends on the field. Or, at least, we hope it will.