Bengals' loss to Browns was the 'biggest rain game' Zac Taylor's been a part of in NFL
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has been coaching in the NFL for about a decade, and the constant rainfall during Sunday's defeat to the Cleveland Browns was unlike anything he had seen in his coaching career. Taylor said as much when talking about why quarterback Joe Burrow struggled throwing the football during the 24-3 […]
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has been coaching in the NFL for about a decade, and the constant rainfall during Sunday's defeat to the Cleveland Browns was unlike anything he had seen in his coaching career.
Taylor said as much when talking about why quarterback Joe Burrow struggled throwing the football during the 24-3 loss in Cleveland.
"That was probably the biggest rain game I've been a part of in 10 years," Taylor said of the rainy conditions. "I can't speak for [Cleveland], but you saw it in the kicking game. Sometimes the ball just gets away from you, you can't get a great grip on it."
It was clear Burrow had struggles getting the ball out of his hands throughout the afternoon. He completed just 14 of 31 passes for 82 yards; his first-ever game with a sub-50% completion rate and fewer than 100 yards.
Taylor also touched on an important distinction between throwing shorter passes that require quicker throws and longer passes that allow you more time to throw. It's more difficult to establish a grip in the rain to get off a quick pass.
"There's a battle of 'okay, let's get some quick game,' that's even harder because you gotta grab [the football] quicker and you don't get a grip," Taylor said. "And then you're trying play action and maybe get a better grip and push it down the field. Well, then they got a pretty good rush. They're putting five d-lineman in the game and creating problems that way. So you know, there's just things you have to you have to continue to balance."
The Bengals didn't have any more success pushing the ball down the field against the Browns' impressive cornerbacks, but Burrow's passes looked considerably better when he wasn't trying to get the ball out as fast as possible. Taylor's explanation adds up.
What helps his case is that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also noted the rain had definite impact on the passing game.
"I think the ball was heavy and wet. It was strange. I did not know it was going to rain,” Stefanski said. “It was to our advantage. We found a way to move the ball, put some points on the board. But, it definitely had an impact on the passing game."
Though they play in the AFC North, the Bengals surprisingly haven't had many games featuring consistent inclement weather in recent memory, specifically with Burrow at quarterback. Pop up rainfall that dissipates quickly is one thing, but consistent showers that add up over time is another thing entirely.
Burrow and Taylor will undoubtedly take note of their struggles from this week and prepare more appropriately the next time rain is in the forecast.
Rough weather, Browns’ defense too much for Bengals in 24-3 loss
It was a total offensive failure for Joe Burrow and Cincinnati.
Featured image via Bengals YouTube
