What if that 5 game-winning run came a bit earlier? Then the Bengals could have probably made the playoffs and didn’t have to rely upon others to do them a favor. However, that early season slump came back to haunt Joe Burrow and Co. As they narrowly missed out on the playoffs even after their final stretch heroics. In a season where Burrow was deep into MVP conversations, the Bengals fell short of reaching their ultimate goal.

Burrow, playing in his fifth season for the Who Dey Nation, saw his season take off in the later stages. He continued to keep the Bengals in playoff contention, even if there were only the slimmest of chances. What made the Bengals more upset was that they kept on knocking on the doors of the postseason until the final week. So the moment their season was over, it was Joe Burrow, the face of the Bengals franchise, who took it upon himself and issued a public apology to his fans, “Season to remember, sorry you won’t get to watch anymore. Year 5 in the books,” on Instagram.

Well, this would be the first time in the Jungle that the Bengals have failed to qualify for the playoffs with Joe Burrow completely healthy. Each of the two times Cincinnati missed the playoffs, Burrow suffered a season-ending injury. Coming off a wrist injury that ended his 2023 season abruptly, Burrow still managed to do wonders with his production. The Jungle’s leader threw 43 TDs while racking up 4,918 passing yards and just 9 interceptions. He completed more than 70% of passes, thereby showing what he is capable of when being completely fit.

Like the Burrow himself was surprised how well he recovered from his wrist injury, “I threw it well this year. I still think I can throw it way better. Early in the season, you’re still getting a feel for how that wrist is feeling. You’re breaking up scar tissue. You’re doing a lot of different things to help it, and it gets better as the season goes. So I expect next year to be better.” With the onset of the new season, there have already been some significant changes in the Bengals backroom staff. It seems like Zac Taylor is taking the disappointment of 2025 pretty seriously.

Zac Taylor opts for a major reshuffling of his coaches after Cincinnati’s early exit

On the day when fingers should have been pointed toward Zac Taylor’s future. He remains on the job despite leading the Bengals to back-to-back regular season exits. While he stays, half of his coaching staff have been sent packing out of the Jungle. The moment their fate was sealed after the Broncos swept apart the Chiefs 38-0. Taylor decided to fire his defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, who stayed in the role since 2019. But this season, the Bengals’ defense was a major reason why they aren’t in the postseason. Cincinnati’s defense has allowed a staggering 25.5 points per game.

Top Comment by dbrn

Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin should have been fired or whoever’s decision it was to let 7-8 defensive starters leave...more

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Remember their high-scoring game against the Steelers back in December, which they lost 44-38? Yeah, what if they hadn’t conceded that many points? Then the Bengals could have probably been preparing for the playoffs. And Lou would have still stayed on the job. However, Anarumo isn’t the only one leaving Cincinnati after his team’s disappointing exit. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack, defensive line coach Marion Hobby and finally, for now, linebackers coach James Bettcher follow him to the exit door.

So, Zac Taylor’s backroom staff will be completely revamped before the new season arrives in Cincinnati. Will these changes be enough for Joe Burrow and Co. to break their playoff slump next season? Well, you will get your answers a bit later as the Bengals bow out for 2024.