The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason roster work earned acclaim after Week 1, but the same review raised a much tougher question about head coach Zac Taylor.
The Ringer named the Bengals’ roster building a “winner” after Cincinnati’s 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The outlet pointed to the team’s defensive overhaul, including the trade for Dexter Lawrence II and additions of Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen.
Those moves paid dividends ASAP. Mafe recorded a sack and recovered a fumble, while Cook recovered a Baker Mayfield fumble in the end zone as Cincinnati built a 27-10 lead.
The criticism came on offense.
“Please, help me understand exactly what edge Taylor is giving the Bengals,” the staff of The Ringer wrote.
The Ringer noted
Cincinnati averaged minus-0.19 EPA per play in the second half, with only the New England Patriots posting a worse mark entering Monday night. The Bengals also ran just nine plays from under center and had a 0% success rate on those snaps, according to TruMedia.
With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown on the offensive side of the ball, there's a expectation to outperform those numbers.
In the end, Cincinnati escaped Week 1 with a win, but the late offensive stall adds intrigue before a Week 2 road matchup with the Houston Texans.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals roster earns praise while Zac Taylor faces tough question
