Former Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon recently discussed the Cincinnati Bengals and their head coach Zac Taylor on his podcast, “With the First Pick.” In a segment titled “The Perfect Fix,” Carthon explored various challenges faced by NFL teams that did not reach the playoffs.
Support for Zac Taylor
Carthon expressed confidence in Zac Taylor, describing him as one of the most successful coaches in Bengals history. He noted Taylor’s ability to lead the team to significant playoff runs, including a Super Bowl appearance. According to Carthon, Taylor’s success stems from his unique approach to developing talent around star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Keeping Joe Burrow Healthy
One of the focal points of Carthon’s analysis was Burrow’s health. “The key is keeping Joe Burrow healthy,” he stated. Burrow has faced several injuries, which Carthon characterized as unfortunate incidents typical in football. Notably, Taylor’s record stands at 70% wins when Burrow is on the field, indicating Burrow’s critical role in the team’s success.
Performance Under Pressure
Despite Taylor’s playoff success, critiques remain regarding his ability to optimize player performance during crucial moments. The Bengals have recorded 12 losses in one-score games over the past two seasons. These narrow defeats highlight the need for improved decision-making in high-pressure situations. Carthon pointed out that after acquiring Joe Flacco, the offense still demonstrated high-level play, yet they managed only one win in six games with Flacco at quarterback. Three of those losses were by a single score.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Entering the 2026 season, Zac Taylor will be the only returning head coach in the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns are all set to hire new coaches. With the talent on the Bengals’ roster, particularly on offense, expectations are high for Taylor to lead the team to the playoffs.
Carthon’s insights on Taylor and the Bengals are important as fans and analysts look to understand the team’s direction moving forward. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for implementing strategies aimed at improving performance in critical moments and ensuring the health of key players like Joe Burrow.
For more in-depth analysis, fans can listen to Carthon’s complete breakdown on the Bengals and his offseason recommendations on El-Balad.
