"Why the hell are you never ready to start the season?" - Stephen A. Smith spots troubling pattern plaguing Joe Burrow-led Bengals
A concerning pattern has emerged for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals under head coach Zac Taylor. In a recent episode of the First Take, NFL analyst Stephen A. Smith did not mince his words as he called out the Bengals' consistently sluggish starts to the season.
He wondered why the team never seemed ready for the start of the season.
"Their problem is that in the Zac Taylor era, they start out 1-11, you know, to start the season. It's automatic that they're going to lose the first two games. They'll be in a hole to start the season. Why the hell are you never ready to start the season?" Smith asked.
Since taking charge, Taylor's team has a 1-11 record in Week 1. The pattern continued in 2024, when the Bengals lost their first three games before coming back to finish 9–8.
The team started 1-3 in 2023 when the same problem resurfaced. Over the last two years, their record in the first seven games is 1-6.
Stephen A had criticized Taylor’s leadership previously on ESPN's First Take, highlighting how the Bengals always begin the season on the back foot before having to claw their way back into contention.
“They put themselves in these holes in this particular time they can’t get out of it. I don’t know what the hell Zac Taylor and his coaching staff be doing in the offseason to prepare themselves for the season,” Smith said.
The Bengals may need to reassess their approach to prevent another rough start in 2025 if they are serious about their championship aspirations.
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on Joe Burrow’s future
Joe Burrow's future with the Bengals is a huge concern as they navigate through their recurring issues.
Stephen A. recently suggested that their talisman might look for a way out if the Cincinnati front office does not improve the talent in the roster.
The ESPN's First Take panel discussed if the Bengals' unwillingness to make significant investments such as defensive end Trey Hendrickson and wideouts Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase could encourage their star quarterback to request a trade elsewhere.
The NFL analyst drew parallels between this situation and that of former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, who forced his way out in 2011. The ownership's lack of investment allegedly fuelled the frustration of Palmer, which eventually led to his departure from the franchise.
Stephen A believes Joe Burrow, known for his outspoken nature, will not tolerate a similar scenario.
"He's letting them know he's not happy and he ain't about to stand pat. And he's not about to be a quarterback for a franchise that ain't trying to win. And he's hoping that history doesn't repeat itself" Smith stated.
With Burrow firmly established as one of the league's elite quarterbacks, the Bengals are now at a critical juncture in making roster decisions. Failing to enhance the team with top talent could heighten speculation about Joe Burrow's future.
While currently focused on bouncing back from a sluggish start, the Bengals' offseason moves will ultimately shape Burrow's future in Cincinnati.