The Bengals are guilty of digging themselves such a deep hole early in the season they leave themselves no margin for error down the stretch. This is a proven theme under Taylor’s leadership, and it must be addressed if the goal of the organization isn’t to try and squeeze into the playoffs each year.

The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs despite the five-game streak to end the season at 9-8. As such, another slow start – a critical flaw in the program in the Zac Taylor era – doomed the season back in September.