The Cincinnati Bengals got the preseason off to a perfect start last week as they beat the Detroit Lions 16-14 in the opener. We got to see the likes of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Dexter Lawrence, albeit in a very limited capacity.
Based on the Bengals' recent poor starts, Zac Taylor will likely want to give the starters more and more opportunity in the pre-season to make sure they're game-ready come week one.
Speaking of Taylor, there are still doubts about the Cincinnati head coach even during pre-season, and heading into what could be a pivotal year for the franchise, there's more pressure on Taylor than anyone else.
Taylor is coaching for his job this year
The Bengals' head coach would say it himself: the last three years have not been good enough. The Bengals have been wasting years with who is the most talented QB this franchise has ever had. That buck stops with Taylor.
Cincy hasn't made the playoffs for three straight seasons, and when you consider that they reached consecutive AFC championship games before that, it really highlights how much they have wasted the following years.
With that in mind, Taylor is under more pressure this year than ever, especially given that many expected him to be out before the season started. The front office and the fans have put their faith in him, and he has to deliver.
What will the Cincinnati Bengals need to do in 2026 to keep Taylor his job?
Other than asking the ownership this question, we have to consider what the bare minimum is in terms of expectations this year. From the perspective of a fan, it has to be making the playoffs. If we fail to get into the postseason again, Taylor has to (reluctantly) go.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes that the Bengals have to go above and beyond simply making the playoffs this season. He spoke about the expectations in the Queen City this year on First Take.
"I don't think there's a team in the league that has more at stake this season than the Bengals outside of LA. Everything is on the line. The coach's job security...Joe Burrow's future...that means Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, a hall of fame duo, that future is in flux."
"If you are the Bengals and you can't get to 12, 13, or 14 wins, then that's going to be a massive disappointment this year, and there will be significant changes. "Dan Orlovsky, First Take
"Everything is on the line." @danorlovsky7 thinks the Bengals have something to prove this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/1UdfGmwvx7
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 17, 2026
Orlovsky might be right. Considering how bad it has been the past few years, and how much the Bengals have underperformed, Taylor may have to guide them to more than simply making the playoffs to save his job.
Whether that is 12-plus wins or a deep postseason run, the pressure is really on the seventh-year head coach. We're all behind him; let's see him deliver.
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