Zac Taylor’s reaction to Bengals avoiding Jeffery Simmons is revealed by his brother, Bears OC Press Taylor
Coach Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals don’t have to face All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Sunday when the Tennessee Titans come to town. Simmons is now a member of the Chicago Bears, who employ Taylor’s brother, Press Taylor, as their offensive coordinator.
Coach Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals don’t have to face All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Sunday when the Tennessee Titans come to town. Simmons is now a member of the Chicago Bears, who employ Taylor’s brother, Press Taylor, as their offensive coordinator.
It’s a big win for Press’ team in the long run, but a sigh of major relief for Zac’s team this weekend. Press told reporters Friday that Zac didn’t hide his emotions about how Chicago’s big move impacted Cincinnati.
“As soon as you started hearing clapping down the hall around noon or whatever time it was, then I got a Facetime from my brother,” Press said. “Which we don’t normally talk until later in the week. [He had] just a huge smile and I’m like, ‘Thank you, we’re excited’ and he’s like ‘No, we play the Titans this week.’ That makes a lot more sense why you’re excited. He’s like ‘Yeah, I’m going to go put in a couple more passes in there.'”
Bengals to cherish playing Titans without Jeffery Simmons
Sunday’s game will be the first time the Bengals play Tennessee in nine years without having to worry about Simmons wrecking havoc up the middle. Cincinnati is 4-1 against Simmons when he was a Titan, but the 29-year-old was an obvious game plan headache even when he didn’t produce sacks.
The most damage Simmons did to the Bengals came in the AFC Divisional Round during the 2021-22 playoffs. He sacked quarterback Joe Burrow three times in that contest, contributing to the nine sacks Burrow took during the 19-16 win for Cincy.
“He’s arguably up there with all of the top guys,” Taylor said of Simmons earlier in the week before the trade happened.
Tennessee with Simmons boasted the lowest pressure rate over expectation through seven weeks, according to Pro Football Focus. He accounted for 24 pressures and four sacks, ranking in the top five of each category among interior pass rushers. It’s no massive revelation the Bengals should have an easier time throwing the ball without him rushing against the middle of their offensive line.
That said, I don’t know if Zac loves that his brother told the media he plans to call more passes than he planned on Sunday. Any intel getting out unnecessarily is a negative, regardless of the quality of opponent.
It should not prevent Cincy from taking care of business this weekend. The Bengals are double-digit point favorites in this matchup for good reason. Avoiding one of the best players in the NFL should only make it easier. Taylor’s reaction confirms what we already know.
