An 0-3 start has the Bengals taking drastic measures.
Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor had a “private” meeting right after the 38-33 home loss to the Commanders on “Monday Night Football” rather than retreating to the locker room.
Video captured Burrow and Taylor entering an entrance that leads to the coaches’ office, per ESPN, and Burrow called it a “mutual” decision to have the discussion.
“It was a very positive conversation,” Burrow said. “We’re not happy with where we’re at. But by no means is the season over. We’re 0-3. There’s 14 (games) left to play. We just have to continue to get better and see where the cards fall in the next 10 weeks, whenever the bye is. So, we just gotta go into this week preparing to get better and try to get a win. That’s all you can do.”
It’s notable that Burrow and Taylor would meet after this game since it showcased the heightened nerves surrounding Cincinnati’s winless start.
Taylor passed on providing any details on the talk, but the pair are surely looking for ways to fix a ship that is taking on water fast.
The Bengals started the season with grand aspirations with Burrow back in the mix after last year’s season-ending injury, and they now are arguably the biggest disappointment of the season.
They lost at home to the Patriots in Week 1, but that came with a caveat that receiver Tee Higgins did not play. The team has also been engulfed in contract drama with Ja’Marr Chase.
The Bengals then had the Chiefs beat in Week 2, but a defensive pass interference on fourth down allowed their rivals to escape with a 26-25 win.
Cincinnati then entered Week 3’s home game as a big favorite but the defense could not get a stop, allowing Washington’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, to put on a show.
The Bengals suddenly find themselves as playoff long-shots based on league precedence.
Only six teams have made the playoffs since 1979 after starting 0-3 and just one since 2000, and none of those teams have won the Super Bowl, according to the Associated Press.
Cincinnati has a get-right spot in Week 4 on the road against the Panthers before its first division game in Week 5 at home against the Ravens.
“(At) 0-3, not very good, obviously. Not where we want to be,” Burrow said. “We just gotta come back on Wednesday, try to get better.”