Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow's Passing Workload: 'A Lot of Run-Pass Options Involved in That'

Cincinnati beat the rams 19-16 on Monday Night Football.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Sep 26, 2023 9:10 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Zac Taylor noted the Bengals needed to notch that first win of the season after falling 0-2 to start the 2023 season.

Cincinnati got out of the basement with a big performance on defense and just enough production from Joe Burrow to guide a 19-16 win over the Rams.

“You have to get that first win. It changes the week, the momentum," Taylor said about the victory. "To hear them get a chance to sing the song in the locker room is good. It creates positive energy for the week, which we haven’t had. You feel that hanging over you. Our guys managed this game well and it starts with the defense. They set the tone while the offense was getting their feet underneath them. To hold them to six points at halftime and then allow the offense to get momentum and play with a lead, (that) is the football we’re used to playing.”

Burrow had a rough game by his standards, but the 5.3 yards per attempt on 49 passes was just enough to get Cincinnati to 1-2 and 3-0 in Ring of Honor games.

“There were a lot of run-pass options involved in that. We’ll watch and see how many we called," Taylor said. "There’s a lot of times we’re calling a run and he’s taking a completion. He is usually efficient at that. We’ll look at how many calls we called. There was a three or four-series stretch where we couldn’t get that first efficient play on a run or pass. They did a good job of setting us back there. We were able to adjust to that in the second half.”

The defense is what really won the game for Cincinnati with a vintage performance from Lou Anarumo's crew.

“No kidding. That’s the whole key," Taylor said about the defense's night and playing with a lead. "We tried to start fast but stalled out with the missed field goal. But our defense kept us in it. Holding them to one of 11 on third downs, two interceptions, (six) sacks, and the run defense was all outstanding. That’s understated because it forces them into situations where they have to throw it and then we can get the pressure. Lou (Anarumo) did a great job dialing up pressures at the right time.”

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