Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had some strong words in response to running back Chase Brown’s remarks. This was just a few days after the team’s horrific loss to the Chicago Bears. Brown’s remarks to the media, including some pointed criticism of the defense, have opened up a serious discussion not just about team dynamics and accountability.
During the game, Brown experienced a crucial third-down drop that led the Bengals to settle for a field goal instead of scoring a touchdown. After the match, he discussed the importance of unity among teammates, emphasizing the need to “not turn on each other.” His later comments seemed to blame the defensive unit, prompting reactions inside the organization.
Zac Taylor, in speaking to the press, said he thought Brown’s criticism “better left unsaid.” He agreed on the importance of communication between teammates. He encouraged players to focus on what they could do instead of pointing fingers.
“That’s not how we want to react,” – Zac Taylor
As the seventh-year Bengals head coach, Taylor, preach the need for complementary football. After all, he feels this approach is key to achieving balance, particularly when one side of the football is excelling. He focused on Brown’s inability that game to communicate effectively, causing the team to miss several scoring opportunities. He stressed that all players must do more and up their game.
Taylor wants to believe that Brown’s statement is a one-off. He countered by citing past examples, even of his own star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase handling similar situations with more restraint and professionalism.
“I’m going to keep pointing at the offense,” – Ja’Marr Chase
Jordan Battle, a Bengals defensive back, provided a glimpse into the offensive player’s state of mind through Brown’s eyes. Aside from Kelly’s repeated insistence that the offense needed to go back to prioritizing scoring points. Beyond that, he challenged his squad to be more consistent on offense and defense.
“They score 42 points; they should expect to win a game,” – Jordan Battle
To Battle’s credit, he got even more specific, stressing that the performance standard should be unforgivingly high in every corner of the roster. We should demand to win a game — like, oh, I don’t know, win half of them, that’s the standard. We’re supposed to get out there, we’re supposed to be the ones that can stop the offense on one or two times. That’s all it is,” he stated.
As Taylor moves forward through this unusual predicament, he hopes to create an atmosphere where players can feel good about being themselves. And he certainly understands that team cohesion is critical to thrive in the high-pressure, highly competitive world of professional football. There’s no question the Bengals need to be better against Jacksonville. They’re hell bent on recovery from their recent loss.
ESPN Digital Bengals reporter Zac Taylor has been chronicling the Bengals up close and personal on ESPN.com daily since coming aboard in July 2019. Prior to that, he was a reporter and editor at several newspapers throughout Texas, including The Dallas Morning News. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in journalism. Ever since, Heimerdinger has brought that expertise to NFL coaching.
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