Bengals HC Zac Taylor praised for different offseason approach
The halfway mark of the NFL offseason has arrived, and the Cincinnati Bengals are still taking things slow. It started last year after the longest season in franchise history ended in mid-February. Instead of filling the calendar with the maximum amount of OTA sessions in the Spring, the Bengals opted for a lighter approach, giving […]
The halfway mark of the NFL offseason has arrived, and the Cincinnati Bengals are still taking things slow.
It started last year after the longest season in franchise history ended in mid-February. Instead of filling the calendar with the maximum amount of OTA sessions in the Spring, the Bengals opted for a lighter approach, giving players freedom to fit in their individual workout schedules beforehand.
It's a habit Zac Taylor doesn't intend on breaking as the head coach of the team, and his players aren't hiding their appreciate for his methodology.
“There’s no comparison,” safety Michael Thomas told Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “We respect him for that and we love it. We love the schedule and any chance we get we make sure he knows and understands that.”
Instead of making OTAs this time of year mandatory, Taylor ensures that the sessions are voluntary, showcasing respect to how his players individually prepare for the grueling season ahead that ultimately begins in July with training camp.
And yet, the Bengals have not experienced very many absences in the past two years. When people enjoy the place they work, they make an effort to come in no matter the requirement.
“I think Zac is one of the best schedulers ever,” center Ted Karras added. “Just an amazing schedule and great culture here.”
As May soon turns into June, the Bengals will put a bow on their offseason program and head into training camp with one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. A roster that's fresh and ready to hit the ground running, and .
Thomas and Karras each joined the team within the past two years. They weren't original veterans who observed the transition from the Marvin Lewis era, rather experienced players with many years of going through the yearly grind. Their words hold more weight than most on the 89-man roster, though the quality of said roster is matched by just a few in the league..
The Bengals will soon put a bow on their offseason program and head into training camp with one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. It's a luxury that's great to have, but very hard to keep.
Eventually, Taylor's team will look very different than it does now. With contracts for Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase, tough decisions will be had at other positions.
Those core pieces work as an attraction to quality free agents, but maintaining a quality locker room culture will continue to entice veterans looking for their next opportunity, even for a slight discount.
If it ain't broke, there's no use in Taylor fixing it.
