Bengals HC Zac Taylor to retain play-calling duties
The Bengals’ offense has drawn heavy scrutiny since quarterback Joe Burrow‘s injury. Things have not gone according to plan with Jake Browning under center, and a change could be coming soon.
During each of the three games Browning has started, Cincinnati has scored only three points through the first three quarters. The team managed to score a trio of touchdowns late in Week 5, but on the whole significant improvement is needed moving forward. Efforts on that front will include head coach
“I feel very comfortable,” Taylor said (via ESPN’s Ben Baby). “It’s a fair question. We score three points in three games in the first half. I totally understand that. But right now, it’s going to remain the same.”
Taylor arrived as head coach in 2019. The 42-year-old called plays on offense throughout that span despite a limited track record of doing so at the NFL and college levels. Coming off his time with the Dolphins (which included an interim offensive coordinator gig) and Rams (making him one of several
In the meantime, however, the Bengals’ playoff chances depend on steps forward being taken on both sides of the ball. The team sits near the bottom of the league in both points and yards allowed on defense, while finding offensive production has also proven to be a challenge. Cincinnati is averaging just 17 points and 246 yards per game, figures which will of course need to improve if an end to the team’s losing streak is to take place.
Efforts to make that possible could have included a change in play-calling responsibilities, something which Taylor’s former OC Brian Callahan recently moved forward with in Tennessee. In the case of the Bengals, however, the status quo will remain in place on the sidelines.
Cowboys' 2025 breakout star has helped ease loss of Micah Parsons
The Dallas Cowboys bounced back in a big way during Week 5 of the NFL season, scoring a dominant victory over the New York Jets, with strong efforts on both sides of the ball.
A shining moment for the Cowboys this season has been the emergence of several offseason additions.
On offense, star wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams have both stepped up in a big way, while an unexpected defensive star is having a breakout season that has helped the team's pass rush find success following the Micah Parsons trade.
Dallas signed journeyman defensive end James Houston, who has exceeded expectations throughout the first five weeks.
"By no means has the 26-year-old journeyman replaced Micah Parsons, but he's got 3.5 sacks in his last four games and his impact has gone beyond that on the edge in Dallas," Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report writes.
Along with his 3.5 sacks, Houston has recorded a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and two run stuffs. Parsons, meanwhile, has 2.5 sacks.
It will be interesting to see if Houston can continue to perform at a high level as the season continues, because he has proven to be a key part of the defense. Without Houston, the Cowboys' pass rush would be virtually nonexistent.
