In a spirited press conference, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor attempted to rally Cincinatti’s fan base by encouraging them to drink more than usual before their enormous game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Remarkably, the Bengals are still very much alive in the AFC playoff picture, despite losing star quarterback Joe Burrow to a season-ending injury.
Taylor knows that with Burrow out, the Bengals need all the help they can get – and when it comes to Saturday, the louder the stadium is, the better.
“I do challenge our fans,” Taylor declared with a grin. “We got outstanding fans. Drink one more drink, rush into the stadium, and be as loud as you can humanly possibly be when Minnesota’s offense is out there.”
"Rush in the stadium and be as loud as you can humanly possibly be when Minnesota's offense is out there." pic.twitter.com/O2FVCiiiXd
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 12, 2023
Taylor’s playful challenge was met with smiles, but the message was clear … Taylor and the Bengals need an A+ performance from their fans on Saturday.
With the Bengals coming off back-to-back wins, Taylor is eager to maintain the momentum and capitalize on the energy from the home crowd.
The team’s recent success has been attributed in large part to backup quarterback Jake Browning, who has been leading the charge in place of the injured Burrow.
It's a dirty job but somebody has to take a sip for the team!
— Laney (@lanetteken) December 12, 2023
Browning has shown great command while throwing for 924 years, five touchdowns and just two interceptions while completing an impressive 76% of his passes.
With both teams standing at 7-6, it should be a fun one in Cincy come Saturday – and thanks to Taylor, Bengals fans know exactly what they need to do.
What are your thoughts on Taylor as a coach?
As far as the Bengals, do you think they’ll make the playoffs?
If they do, do you give them any chance to make some noise come January, despite not having Burrow under center???