The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the offseason with clear goals to address persistent challenges, particularly their tendency to start seasons slowly. Over the last few years, this issue has become a defining concern for head coach Zac Taylor’s tenure.
With a 7-14-1 record in September during Taylor’s time as head coach, the Bengals have consistently struggled to find their rhythm early. This pattern was glaringly evident in the 2024 season when the team started 1-4, leaving them with an uphill battle to remain competitive. The defense, which was identified as a key weakness, ranked among the league’s bottom units.
To address this, the Bengals made a significant move by appointing Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator. Golden, who previously worked with the team as the linebackers coach in 2020 and 2021, brings familiarity with the organization and is expected to spearhead changes on the defensive side of the ball. Golden acknowledged the concerns surrounding the Bengals’ slow starts in a recent interview with play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard.
“That’s somewhat an internal issue,” Golden explained. “What actions do we need to take internally to address that challenge? Clearly, that’s a delicate topic, as we all understand it will be on the agenda this offseason regarding starting more quickly. But I think it’s wiser to handle that internally and collaborate with Zac on it.”
Golden’s experience and familiarity with the team make him a strategic choice to tackle this issue. The Bengals’ decision to part ways with their previous defensive coordinator of six years demonstrates the urgency of this matter. Defensive lapses, especially early in games and seasons, have put unnecessary pressure on the team, often forcing them to play from behind.
One critical area the Bengals will address this offseason is improving consistency and communication within the defensive unit. Missed assignments, blown coverages, and lapses in execution were recurring themes in 2024, leading to crucial errors that opponents exploited. The defensive staff, under Golden’s leadership, will need to ensure that players are better prepared and equipped to execute game plans from Week 1.
Additionally, Golden and Taylor will collaborate to improve the team’s overall readiness heading into the regular season. While the Bengals have often found success in later stretches of the season, these comebacks have rarely been enough to compensate for their early deficits. Establishing a better foundation during training camp and preseason will be a top priority for the coaching staff.
The changes to the defensive staff are just the beginning of what could be a busy offseason for the Bengals. While adjustments on the roster are expected, the immediate focus remains on creating a culture of accountability and preparedness that will help the team avoid repeating the slow starts that have plagued them in recent years.
By addressing their internal challenges, restructuring their defensive approach, and fostering collaboration between the coaching staff and players, the Bengals hope to turn the page on their early-season struggles. As Al Golden stated, it’s a process that will require clear communication and decisive action, but the goal is clear: to start strong and re-establish the Bengals as legitimate contenders.
