Few teams appear to face more pressure to make the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl in 2025 than the Cincinnati Bengals.
Those Bengals just missed the playoffs again last season after some bad luck and historically brutal defenses, spoiling an MVP-like season from Joe Burrow.
For Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, not many teams face more pressure to contend in 2025. By that same measure, few coaches are under more pressure than Zac Taylor, too:
“However, Zac Taylor, though he’s an offensive-minded head coach, should be under immense pressure to get this team back in the mix as contenders. With the organization under a microscope, Cincinnati needs a strong season, or Taylor could lose his job.”
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The Bengals are certainly in a weird spot. Joe Burrow’s offense has Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the long-term, which is a win-now situation. But the defense is undergoing a youth movement with new coordinator Al Golden, which could create some growing pains.
In the background, the team has the messy contract standoffs with All-Pro Trey Hendrickson and first-rounder Shemar Stewart, too.
There’s no easy way to project the Bengals in 2025 right now. But most would probably agree that Taylor’s seat could be warm heading into the season.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals under ‘microscope’ as pressure mounts for hopeful contender