### **Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor Wants Defensive Leaders to Step Up**
After the Bengals gave up 39 points to the previously winless New York Jets (1-7) on Sunday, Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor called the loss "humbling."
Cincinnati fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after last season and replaced him with Al Golden. However, the defense has continued to struggle and Taylor is calling for the team's defensive leaders to take charge.
"I think someone needs to step up and lead the group," Taylor said [via Ben Baby of ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46737676/zac-taylor-calls-leaders-defense-bengals-blow-lead). "That's what I'm waiting to see — someone to step up and lead the group and take some accountability over there and get this thing going the right way."
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson left the Jets game after he aggravated a hip injury, and there was no immediate timetable for his return.
Joe Flacco had another strong game for the Bengals, throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. However, Cincinnati couldn't protect a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, and Bengals safety Geno Stone, a former Raven, echoed Taylor calling for defensive accountability.
"I'm the oldest guy in the \[defensive back\] room, so I'll take on that role and make sure we're all right in the back end," Stone said. "But at the end of the day, as a whole defense, everyone has to step up and play better."