Zac Taylor credits ‘hell of a defense’ on huge Week 15 win

There wasn’t much to be seen on the Cincinnati Bengals offense, so good thing their defense came out to play in Week 15. Head coach Zac Taylor spoke to the media about just how big a role the Bengals’ D had in Week 15’s triumphant win against the Denver Broncos.

Joe Burrow threw for just 157 yards. Joe Mixon ran for 58 yards. Ja’Marr Chase recorded only three (yes, single-digit) yards.

The Bengals’ offense did not look like its usual productive self on Sunday night, failing to score a touchdown in the first half of the game.

Luckily, all Cincinnati needed was one good open look to Tyler Boyd for a third-quarter score and their trusty rookie kicker to take care of business in Denver.

Oh, and their defense played a hell of a game, too.

Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor played conservatively to win in Week 15

At the end, Taylor wasn’t taking any turnover-prone chances, and neither was Joe Burrow.

Cincinnati’s defense stepped up big and shut down Teddy Bridgewater’s passing offense all game. They ran into more trouble against the Broncos running back room of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, but the Bengals’ run D helped limit Denver to 133 total rushing yards.

The Bengals’ defense as a whole played a stellar game, but the defensive line, one of the more underappreciated units on the team, particularly excelled.

Just to name a few more leaders on defense: Germaine Pratt led the team with 15 tackles, Eli Apple had two important passes defended, and alongside Larry Ogunjobi, Trey Hendrickson recorded 0.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits.

This game was undoubtedly won on defense. Not defense alone, but mainly defense.

Taylor played conservatively, but he ultimately made the right calls this game, and the Bengals grinded their way to their eighth victory of the season.

Up next, the Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens in a matchup that will determine the AFC North champion.