Zac Taylor details how Cincinnati must sharpen execution and leverage emerging playmakers to overcome recent adversity as Trevor Lawrence’s explosive Jacksonville offense arrives at Paycor Stadium.
The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars to Paycor Stadium, and Zac Taylor took to the mic to speak with the media on Wednesday afternoon to discuss some of the main storylines heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Here’s what we learned:
Jacksonville’s offense presents a new challenge.
Taylor emphasized the challenge Jacksonville’s offense presents as the Bengals prepare for Sunday's matchup.
The Jaguars enter Week 4 at 2-1 after scoring 35 points against New England, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence leading an offense capable of creating explosive plays. Taylor discussed the importance of Cincinnati being prepared for Jacksonville’s playmakers and the different ways the Jaguars can attack a defense.
After facing three different offensive styles to open the season, Cincinnati will have another test against a productive Jacksonville unit.
Cincinnati needs to respond to adversity.
Following Cincinnati’s first loss of the season, Taylor stressed the importance of how the Bengals respond.
Cincinnati had opportunities to defeat Pittsburgh but ultimately fell 30-27 after the Steelers capitalized on a late special teams mistake. Taylor said the team cannot allow the loss to carry into the next week and instead needs to learn from what happened and move forward.
At 2-1, the Bengals still have a long season ahead, making their preparation and response to their first setback an important part of Week 4.
Mistakes need to be cleaned up.
Taylor acknowledged that Cincinnati has areas it needs to clean up following the loss to Pittsburgh.
The Bengals were in position to win late but made mistakes that allowed the Steelers to take advantage, including the muffed punt that set up Pittsburgh’s game-tying opportunity. Taylor emphasized the importance of improving execution rather than allowing one play to define the game.
With Jacksonville coming off a 35-point performance, Cincinnati will need to be more consistent and avoid giving the Jaguars extra opportunities if it wants to leave Week 4 with a win.
Dohnte Meyers is set to take on an even bigger role.
With Andrei Iosivas already on injured reserve and Colbie Young ruled out for Week 4, Taylor indicated that Dohnte Meyers will have an opportunity to take on a larger role in the Bengals' offense.
Meyers stepped into a bigger role after Young left Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh and now could see more snaps alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Taylor has praised Meyers' preparation and development, and Sunday will give the young receiver another chance to prove he can handle increased responsibility with Cincinnati's receiver depth being tested.
