Unpopular Bengals Opinions Worth Discussing
With the 2024 season officially over for the Bengals the arm chair experts have come out of the woodwork. Let's dive into three of the most hotly debated topics: Joe Burrow's greatness, Zac Taylor's coaching, and the decision to draft Ja'Marr Chase over Penei Sewell. These debates highlight the tension between celebrating what’s working and scrutinizing areas for growth.
Opinion 1: Joe Burrow is Overrated
Joe Burrow—the golden boy of Cincinnati—has reinvigorated the franchise, but some critics argue his success is overhyped, citing factors like his supporting cast and specific playing style.
Burrow’s connection with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd is undeniable. In 2021, Chase’s 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns often masked struggles in other areas of the offense. When Chase missed time in 2022, Burrow’s ability to generate explosive plays waned slightly. Critics argue that without these weapons, his numbers might look far less impressive.
Counterpoint: Great quarterbacks elevate their teams, but even legends like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes thrived with elite targets. Burrow’s precision passing and decision-making amplify the talent around him, creating a mutually beneficial dynamic.
Burrow’s high sack numbers—51 in 2021 and 19 more in the playoffs—highlight persistent protection issues. Some suggest Burrow’s tendency to hold the ball too long exacerbates this problem, leaving him vulnerable to pressure.
Counterpoint: Despite these challenges, Burrow led his team to a Super Bowl and consecutive AFC Championship appearances. His ability to perform under duress demonstrates resilience and football IQ.
Burrow thrives in a system tailored to his strengths: quick decision-making and exploiting mismatches. Critics question whether he can consistently adapt when defenses neutralize these tactics, as seen in some struggles against elite opponents like Kansas City.
Counterpoint: The best players thrive in systems designed for them. Burrow’s adaptability against top defenses, including playoff wins in hostile environments, solidifies his place among the NFL’s elite.
Opinion 2: Zac Taylor Isn’t the Right Coach
Zac Taylor has steered the Bengals to heights unseen in decades, yet some fans remain skeptical of his long-term viability as head coach.
Critics highlight Taylor’s questionable decisions in high-pressure moments, such as clock mismanagement and overly conservative play-calling. The 2022 AFC Championship Game featured sequences where fans felt the team failed to capitalize on opportunities.
Counterpoint: Taylor’s growth in decision-making has been evident. The Bengals’ aggressiveness on fourth downs and situational adjustments have improved as the team has matured.
Some fans argue Taylor’s offense leans too heavily on the run game in early downs, putting unnecessary pressure on Joe Burrow in long-yardage situations.
Counterpoint: Cincinnati’s offensive efficiency under Taylor speaks for itself, ranking in the top 10 in scoring and passing yards. His schemes maximize the talents of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, making the Bengals’ offense one of the NFL’s most feared units.
Taylor’s 6-25-1 record in his first two seasons casts doubt on his ability to succeed without a roster overhaul. Critics question whether the team’s success is more about talent acquisition than Taylor’s coaching acumen.
Counterpoint: Early struggles were part of a necessary rebuild. Taylor’s leadership and focus on culture-building helped transform the Bengals into perennial contenders.
Opinion 3: The Team Should Have Drafted Penei Sewell Over Ja’Marr Chase
The Bengals’ choice to draft Ja’Marr Chase over offensive tackle Penei Sewell in 2021 was a pivotal decision that continues to spark debate.
Sewell, a generational offensive line prospect, could have addressed Cincinnati’s glaring need for Burrow’s protection. His immediate success with the Detroit Lions—allowing few pressures and becoming a cornerstone of their offensive line—validates his talent.
Counterpoint: While Sewell might have improved pass protection, the Bengals addressed offensive line concerns through free agency. Chase, meanwhile, provided game-changing explosiveness that transformed the offense.
Chase’s record-breaking rookie season and chemistry with Burrow immediately validated the Bengals’ decision. His ability to stretch the field and dominate in critical moments, such as the AFC Championship win over Kansas City, highlights his unparalleled value.
Counterpoint: Chase’s success hasn’t eliminated offensive line struggles. Burrow’s high sack numbers remain a concern, and some argue Sewell’s presence could have reduced the physical toll on the quarterback.
The decision ultimately came down to prioritizing an elite playmaker over foundational protection. While the debate persists, Chase’s impact on team success—including a Super Bowl appearance—makes it hard to argue against the choice.
Unpopular opinions often spark the most engaging debates, and these topics are no exception. Joe Burrow’s place among the NFL’s elite, Zac Taylor’s coaching capabilities, and the decision to draft Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell reflect the complexities of building and sustaining success in the NFL. What’s undeniable is that these discussions underscore the passion of Bengals fans and the stakes of every decision as the team eyes its first Super Bowl victory.