Two coaches added, one position remaining.
That’s where the Browns are as of this writing. The Ravens and Steelers have found their new headset wearers, to mixed results. But the Browns are still searching, despite being the first NFL team to create a head coaching opening this offseason.
Time’s wasting, Mr. Haslam. Your fans deserve better.
In just about everything.
Meanwhile, the lone AFC North team with a holdover head coach only managed third place in what’s currently a poor division overall.
This is their story.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
The Bengals began the season under somewhat of a microscope. September has not been kind to the Bengals and head coach Zac Taylor, who had made a practice of losing their first two games every season since 2021. They finally managed to break that trend by (narrowly) pulling out those games in 2025, but lost star QB Joe Burrow to a severe turf toe injury Week 2. Backup QB Jake Browning contributed mightily to the team’s next two losses before the front office traded for longtime division rival QB Joe Flacco, who had some solid outings as a Bengal, including a close win against the Steelers in his second Bengals start. Flacco would eventually post his own four game losing streak through little fault of his own before being relieved by Burrow in late November.
The offense DID have its moments. WR Ja’Marr Chase followed up his “triple crown” 2024 season with another excellent installment, posting 125 catches, 1,412 yards and eight TDs despite missing two games due to a league-mandated suspension. RB Chase Brown logged his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,019 rushing yards) and added six rushing TDs, but his worth was often in his receiving ability (69 catches, 437 yards, 6 TDs), as he remained a consistent bailout option regardless of the starting QB that day. WR2 Tee Higgins (59 catches, 846 yards, 11 TDs) fought through numerous injuries to lead the team in TDs in an otherwise fractured year.
The Bengals’ defense resumed its now-familiar, declining ways despite the addition of new defensive coordinator Al Golden. Pass rusher Trey Hendrickson (16 tackles, 4 sacks), after a training camp holdout amid loud clamoring to be paid more, started only seven games and battled injuries to even provide that much. Rookie LB Barrett Carter (106 tackles, 1 INT) stepped into a starting role midseason after the trade of LB Logan Wilson and performed well, stabilizing an obvious problem. S Jordan Battle (125 tackles, 4 INTs) led the team in both tackles and interceptions, which, as a safety, never bodes well for overall defensive success. Needless to say, this unit is in dire need of an overhaul at every level, which is something the Bengals are historically loath to do. As the 12-steppers say, admitting you have a problem is a great place to start.
The Bengals were led in overall scoring by PK Evan McPherson (25-28 FGs). P Ryan Rehkow (65 punts, 50.5-yard avg) was solid, particularly during Browning’s unfortunate starts.
Next week: Ravens
webdesign service nuremberg
i enjoy reading your articles, it is simply amazing, you are doing great work, do you post often? i will be checking you out again for your next post. you can check out webdesignagenturnürnberg.de the best webdesign agency in nuremberg Germany