There’s not much left to say. The Cincinnati Bengals are exactly what they were before their Week 12 bye: a team that can score almost at will but has a defense that is incapable of stopping an effective offense. Although they made adjustments during the bye, the Bengals didn’t change anything.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense contributed, scoring 38 points against a strong Steelers defense. However, the Bengals’ defense allowed the Steelers to score 44 points.

For comparison, no Steelers offense has scored more than 40 points in a game since 2018. This Steelers offense is no exception – they win games by playing strong defense and avoiding mistakes. But against the Bengals defense, they seemed unstoppable.

The Bengals needed a win on Sunday to save their season. They didn’t make it and their playoff chances are now all but lost. In reality, they were probably done weeks ago.

Of all the Bengals seasons I’ve seen, this one has the biggest gap between expectations and reality. Since the Bengals start the season as Super Bowl contenders, they are a bad football team in Week 14 that is not worthy of the playoffs.

The season is effectively over.

But the Bengals still have an opportunity to make moves that could position them for success in 2025. Here’s what they can and should do before the season ends:

1. Speak to the coaching team

Some coaches have to go. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo bears significant responsibility for the poor defensive performance in 2024, although some of the blame lies with the front office’s inability to retain key players. Accountability is needed, and while Zac Taylor likely won’t be fired, a new defensive coordinator and multiple position coaches on both sides of the ball are essential.

2. Experiment with the line of attack

The Cody Ford at Guard experiment didn’t work. Benching Cordell Volson was a move, but it didn’t produce results. The Bengals should try Matt Lee at center and use Ted Karras at guard. Worst-case scenario, they’ll get a glimpse of Lee’s potential and a clearer path to better protecting Burrow.

3. Renew your scouting efforts

The Bengals’ recent draft history under Taylor and Duke Tobin has been a fluke. For every standout pick like Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins, there are multiple failures, even in earlier rounds – Jackson Carman comes to mind. Given the significant need in 2025, better education is critical.

4. Rotate younger players

Defensively, it’s time to give younger players more snaps, especially in the secondary. Safety Jordan Battle should see extended action. The position has been in disarray since Jessie Bates left office and it is important to consider potential successors.

These measures could provide valuable insights for 2025. With Lee working at center and Karras excelling as a defensive lineman, it simplifies decisions about where to invest in the offseason. This isn’t a guess – it’s tangible progress.

The Zac Taylor question

I’m not sure how I feel about Taylor’s future in Cincinnati. On the one hand, the Bengals seem soft under his leadership. They crumble under adversity, which points to a cultural problem that Taylor, as head coach, is ultimately responsible for.

On the other hand, Taylor’s relationship with Burrow is strong and any decision regarding his future should have what’s best for the franchise quarterback at the forefront. If firing Taylor benefits Burrow, then it has to happen. If not, and I’m not sure that will be the case, keep him as head coach and only replace certain coordinators and position coaches.

Random observations from the Steelers game:

• That was the first game I attended this season. Despite the defensive issues, the first half was entertaining, but the crowd’s energy waned after Burrow’s blunder. At that moment, fans flocked to the exits.
• I often noticed Matt Lee as a sixth offensive lineman. Seeing him on the field is promising.
• The missed tackles were painfully obvious from the nosebleed. This has been a major problem all season and is Anarumo’s responsibility.
• Aside from Trey Hendrickson, there is no consistent pass rushing threat. Adding another pass rusher, either on the opposite edge or inside, is critical to success in 2025.

As former Bearcats, the University of Cincinnati marching band put on a great performance.

Relative lyrics:

I caught a glimpse of it as a child
Out of the corner of my eye
I turned around to look but it was gone
I can’t say exactly now
The child is grown, the dream is gone