Cincinnati’s postseason hopes took another major hit after a crushing 39-38 loss to the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. The defeat marked one of the lowest points of coach Zac Taylor’s seven-year run with the Bengals, who squandered a 15-point fourth-quarter lead against a winless team.
Taylor didn’t hide his frustration, challenging his defense to show leadership and accountability.
“I think someone needs to step up and lead the group,” Taylor said. “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.”
Cincinnati (3-5) entered the game looking to even its record despite quarterback Joe Burrow’s injury, but instead left searching for answers.
The Bengals had built a 31-15 lead behind three rushing touchdowns, a bright spot for an offense that struggled on the ground early this year.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase voiced his frustration after the collapse, saying,
“This game should have been over when it was 16 (to) 31, 28, whatever the hell they had. It should have been over.”
With the season’s midpoint approaching, Cincinnati must find a way to close games — or risk missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
More: Frustrated Ja’Marr Chase points to Zac Taylor after Bengals’ stunning loss to Jets
Defensive turmoil deepens as leadership void grows
Cincinnati’s defensive struggles have carried over from last season, and Sunday’s meltdown may have been the breaking point for Taylor’s patience.
The Bengals blew a 14-point lead in the final 10 minutes, allowing three late touchdowns, including a 4-yard trick-play pass from Jets running back Breece Hall to tight end Mason Taylor.
The defense, which has allowed multiple double-digit comebacks since 2023, continues to lack direction after a wave of offseason changes. Taylor replaced defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Al Golden, but the results have not improved.
Only three defensive starters from Cincinnati’s 2021 Super Bowl run remain: Trey Hendrickson, B.J. Hill, and Logan Wilson. Hendrickson aggravated a hip injury Sunday, Wilson has requested a trade after losing his starting job, and Hill admitted,
“I just got to do more on my part.”
Cincinnati’s front office has struggled to rebuild the defense after letting key veterans such as Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, and D.J. Reader leave. Draft investments in players like Dax Hill, Myles Murphy, and Cam Taylor-Britt have yet to deliver consistent production.
With Burrow sidelined until at least mid-December, the Bengals’ playoff hopes hinge on whether someone can emerge as a stabilizing force.
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