The NFL features worst-to-first stories on an annual basis.
What we are seeing from the Cincinnati Bengals takes that to a whole new level.
The Bengals won six total games in Zac Taylor’s first two seasons as head coach.
They are now at five wins this season with no sign of slowing down.
Taylor’s team looks elite and that is why he is a betting favorite to win Coach of the Year.
Zac Taylor is currently (+1000) to win Coach of the Year 👀 pic.twitter.com/6DImdZmXoK
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) October 26, 2021
This marks quite the turnaround for Taylor, who could have realistically been on the hot seat if the Bengals got off to a slow start.
The Right Pieces In Place
The fact Joe Burrow went down with a season-ending injury last year somewhat stunted the entire team’s development.
That put the focus on this season, with Burrow back under center.
The second-year quarterback is flourishing in the offense and most recently put up 416 yards in a blowout win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Drafting Ja’Marr Chase also proved to be a huge help as the rookie is on pace to shatter all types of records this season.
The front office gave Taylor the pieces and the head coach is seeing his team thrive.
Getting solid production out of Joe Mixon is helping provide balance to the offense as well.
Oh, and let’s not forget about a defense that is surrendering just over 18 points per game.
Burrow gets the spotlight, but this is a complete team in Cincinnati.
This is my formal apology to Zac Taylor.
— Drew Garrison (@Drew_LRT) October 25, 2021
Taylor is ultimately running the show and it makes sense why he is one of the betting favorites for the NFL award.
His top competition, at least right now, would seem to be Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona and Brandon Staley in Los Angeles.
However, neither is seeing quite the shocking turnaround that Taylor is producing in Cincinnati.
