Stephen A. Questions Bengals’ Readiness, Burrow’s Protection

Stephen A. Smith Sounds Alarm on Bengals’ Slow Starts, Burrow’s Safety

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent voice in sports commentary, is expressing serious doubts about the Cincinnati Bengals’ readiness to start the NFL season.

He believes the team consistently underperforms in September, questioning head coach Zac Taylor’s offseason preparation. Smith even humorously suggested an ‘investigation’ into Taylor’s activities, citing the team’s perennial struggle to be game-ready.

Smith pointed out that while the season starts on a specific date for every other team, the Bengals seem to lag behind. He feels it takes them two or three weeks to find their footing. This slow start, he argues, is a recurring theme that needs addressing.

Burrow’s Health: A Recurring Nightmare

A major concern for Smith, and indeed for Bengals fans everywhere, is the health of their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow has a concerning history of injuries throughout his six-year career. Smith highlighted that Burrow has practically missed entire seasons due to these setbacks.

The core issue, according to Smith, lies in the team’s failure to adequately protect Burrow. He stated that the offensive line has repeatedly put Burrow in dangerous situations. This repeated punishment, he fears, could even make Burrow question his desire to continue playing football.

Defense: Improved but Not Enough?

While acknowledging that the Bengals’ defense should be much improved this year, Smith remains skeptical. He recalled past seasons where expectations were high, but the team ultimately fell short of their goals. The ‘injury bug’ has also been a persistent problem, particularly when it affects key players like Burrow.

Smith believes that the team has not been able to effectively resolve these recurring issues. The inability to protect their franchise quarterback and the tendency for slow starts are major red flags for him heading into the new season.

Taylor’s Tenure Under Scrutiny

Zac Taylor has been the head coach of the Bengals since 2019. Despite leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season, Smith’s comments suggest a belief that the team is not consistently prepared. This criticism focuses on the early-season performance, which Smith feels has been a weakness throughout Taylor’s tenure.

Smith’s suggestion of an ‘investigation’ is a hyperbolic way of emphasizing his frustration. He wants to understand why a team with so much talent consistently seems to be playing catch-up in September. The health of Joe Burrow is directly tied to the offensive line’s performance, and Smith believes this has been a critical failure.

Looking Ahead: Can the Bengals Silence the Doubters?

The Bengals are entering the upcoming season with high hopes, but also with lingering questions. Can they finally break their September slump and start the season strong? Will the offensive line provide the necessary protection for Joe Burrow, keeping him healthy for a full season?

Smith’s skepticism is a clear reminder of the challenges ahead for Cincinnati. The team’s success hinges on addressing these fundamental issues. If they can’t protect Burrow and start games with more urgency, Smith believes they will continue to come up short, despite their talent.

What’s Next for Cincinnati

The Bengals will begin their regular season on a date yet to be announced. All eyes will be on their performance in the opening weeks to see if Zac Taylor and his staff have addressed the issues Stephen A.

Smith has so forcefully highlighted. The health and performance of Joe Burrow will undoubtedly be the most watched storyline.

Source: Stephen A. isn't buying into the Bengals just yet 😭 (YouTube)