Zac Taylor and the Bengals take what’s rightfully theirs in 2021

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was emotional after the victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. During his press conference, Taylor fought through the emotion to give us all good advice. Don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen.

When addressing the end of the game, Taylor said:

"“You gotta go take this division. You know, it’s not just kick the field goal and then let Patrick Mahomes do something. I got a ton of faith in our defense to come out there, but you know the things that are worth having, you got to go get ‘em. And not wait for someone to give them to you and not wait for someone to come give them to you. And I think that’s what our guys did today.”"

Yes, that is exactly what he and the team did by going for it on fourth and one in a tie game at the end of the fourth quarter. This mindset did not start with this game, however, and it seems like this is something that Taylor has thought about a lot, as if it is a creed. Cincinnati has gotten familiar with this mindset.

First, he ‘took’ the Cincinnati job, not in the acceptance of the job sense, but from the standpoint of, who is this guy? Even Taylor’s most ardent fans in 2019 would admit he probably was not ready. He was going to have to learn on the job. Taylor would have to grow from just another coach standing near Sean McVay to carving his path. Nevertheless, he ‘took’ the job.

In what were some questionable roster moves, the organization, over two seasons, removed what seemed to be players who were not all in on Taylor. The ones who were left, he ‘took’ their respect by earning it.

Taylor took the criticism over the past two years. After a 6-25-1 record in his first two seasons, there was a lot of criticism. However, he never swayed away from his philosophy and vision.

Of his journey, Taylor said:

"“Just really proud of the position our guys have put us in, you know, with one week left to play. Just couldn’t be prouder of not only players, but the coaches who have gone through this with us over the last three years. It’s been hard. It’s been hard when you’re building something the right way and building something you believe in. Just really proud of the job that they’ve done to keep up with it.”"

Now Taylor gets to take respect and praise from even the most impassioned naysayers.

Taylor and the team did not wait for Cleveland, Baltimore, or Pittsburgh to hand Cincinnati the division. In doing so, they did not “back door” their way into the playoffs. They took a playoff spot against arguably the best team and the best quarterback in the AFC (not including the Bengals or Joe Burrow, of course).

Now, what else can Taylor take? Will he ‘take’ the organization’s first playoff victory in 31 years? Can he take the team to an AFC Championship or beyond?

The head coach and quarterback have that mentality — ‘Go out there and take it.’ That mindset seems to have extended throughout the team.

Hopefully, Taylor and the Bengals can ‘take’ a few more things before the season is over.

Who Dey?!