Cincinnati Bengals: 3 storylines for preseason Week 1 at the Chiefs

When the Cincinnati Bengals jettisoned Marvin Lewis, the organization did what many in the NFL attempted. It’s a trend that may not go away any time soon, if ever. In rookie head coach Zac Taylor, Cincinnati will try and revive a franchise that has gone south in recent years.

Taylor, a protege of Rams head coach Sean McVay, will be a primary focal point when the Bengals debut against the Chiefs. The hype of a training camp brimming with renewal will finally get a test. As much of a test as an exhibition game can provide.

With many teams looking for that next ”McVay”, Cincinnati is an organization looking at a landscape that has dramatically changed, especially where the offense is concerned. In 2018, the Rams were one of the most explosive teams in the NFL, along with the likes of New Orleans and the Chiefs.

While both Kansas City and Los Angeles have young quarterbacks, Taylor will have the services of veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton, who was injured last season, is looking to rejuvenate a career. With Taylor, this may be his best chance heading into a 2020 season of absolute uncertainty.

Taylor starts the clock on his head coaching career with a lot of questions. Fans will be looking for a turnaround from a 6-10 season in 2018, while the organization as a whole begins the inevitable evaluation to see what works, and what doesn’t.

While it’s only Week 1 of the exhibition season, seeing how players and a new coaching staff perform will be critical.