CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have announced significant changes following the disappointing end to their season, which saw them missing the playoffs. On Monday, four assistant coaches were let go, including three from the defensive side: defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, linebackers coach James Bettcher, and defensive line coach Marion Hobby. Additionally, offensive line coach Frank Pollack was also dismissed.
Anarumo, who had been with the team for six seasons and under coach Zac Taylor’s leadership, faced the consequences of a defense that struggled for much of the season. Coach Taylor commented, “As part of evaluating everything within the organization, I felt it was necessary to make some changes. We will begin that process immediately, assessing our needs and who can help us progress.”
The Bengals had a season filled with ups and downs. Star quarterback Joe Burrow enjoyed his finest statistical year, topping the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. However, despite these impressive numbers, the team ended with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs after finishing just shy of the AFC’s last playoff spot. They suffered losses in four games where they scored 30 or more points, showcasing the inconsistency that plagued their performance.
Even though the Bengals managed to clinch their last five games, their poor start significantly impacted their season’s outcome. They lost to the New England Patriots, who finished with a disappointing 4-13 record, and ended up winning only two of their first seven matches. “We’re all disappointed in our situation,” Taylor expressed. “Starting the way we did is unacceptable. There is a wealth of talent on this team, and it’s frustrating that we are not competing in the playoffs.”
Under Taylor’s leadership, slow starts have been a recurring issue. The best record after two games during his tenure is a mere 1-1, and the Bengals began this season with a troubling 0-3 mark. Their record in September stands at 7-14-1 since he took over as head coach. “As the head coach, it’s my responsibility to ensure that we emerge from the offseason and training camp ready to start strong,” Taylor stated.
While Cincinnati’s defense showed improvement as the season progressed, their earlier shortcomings proved detrimental. The team suffered nail-biting losses, including a 44-38 defeat to the Steelers and a 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens, where they had leads of ten points during the game. They also put up 33 points in a loss against the Commanders.
Despite the challenges, there were notable individual achievements. Ja’Marr Chase became the fifth wide receiver since 1970 to lead the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdown catches (17), equaling the franchise record held by Carl Pickens. Additionally, defensive end Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with an impressive total of 17.5.
Reflecting on the season, Burrow stated, “Not making the playoffs is a failure. That’s what our goal is every year. Hard work is about being at your best when it matters the most. We just couldn’t secure that crucial win early in the season to position ourselves better.”
Looking ahead, the Bengals face crucial decisions regarding contract extensions for key players like Tee Higgins, who played under the franchise tag this past season, and Chase, who was in talks for an extension during preseason. “We have a lot of important decisions to make concerning several players on the team,” Taylor remarked. “We will start discussions in January and February about how each player fits into our plans.”
Running back Chase Brown finished the season just shy of the 1,000-yard rushing mark due to an ankle injury that sidelined him in the final game. A more balanced offensive strategy next season could benefit both him and the team overall. “From around the halfway mark of the season, we were in a must-win situation every week, and we tended to rely on Joe’s arm during those crucial times,” Taylor explained. “We need to do a better job of controlling games early. That would allow us to emphasize our running game more effectively.”
