Cincinnati Bengals face intense criticism after a 1-3 start to the season, with Coach Zac Taylor’s decisions and Joe Burrow’s injury at the forefront of discussions.

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The Cincinnati Bengals, once filled with Super Bowl aspirations, have plunged into a turbulent phase, reeling from a 1-3 start marred with many questions and criticisms surrounding the team.

Pointing Fingers at Coach Taylor

Many in the football community have criticized head coach Zac Taylor and the coaching staff.

Their game plans, offensive schemes, and the decision to continue playing an injured Joe Burrow have all been heavily scrutinized.

Former NFL lineman Taylor Lewan did not hold back, openly critiquing Taylor during a sitdown with Kay Adams.

“I think it is the play-calling,” Lewan stated, citing the Titans game as an example.

He suggested that Burrow should only take so much responsibility if he is fully fit.

Continued Support for Burrow

Despite concerns about Burrow’s physical condition, particularly his training camp calf injury, Zac Taylor confirmed in his recent press conference that Burrow will continue to serve as the starting quarterback in Week Five against the Cardinals.

He expressed confidence in Burrow’s fitness to run the offense, even with the ongoing impact of his injury.

“It is what it is. I think every week is going to continue to improve that way. We have got to be better at the things we can control,” Taylor emphasized, accepting the responsibility of improving play-calling.

A Troubling Loss to the Titans

The tension heightened after the Bengals were trounced in Nashville by the Tennessee Titans.

In a desperate scene, the Bengals were lagging 27-3 in the fourth quarter, yet Burrow, battling both a calf injury and a sore arm, was still on the field, raising questions about the coaching decisions.

Zac Taylor defended his choice to the media, explaining that they were attempting a comeback.

However, with the Bengals’ offense not matching up to its performance in the past two seasons, many believe keeping an injured Burrow on the field was risky.

Gloomy Forecast for the Bengals

The current situation paints a bleak picture for the Bengals and their fans.

With the Ravens leading at 3-1, the Browns showcasing a strong defense at 2-2, and even the underperforming Steelers managing key defensive stops, the Bengals’ prospects seem dim.

If they cannot pull together their offense and defense soon, keeping up with the division, let alone the league, will be a tall order for Cincinnati this year.