What Zac Taylor Did Next Will Leave Bengals Fans Pulling Their Hair Out

The Cincinnati Bengals fell just short of beating the Baltimore Ravens in overtime on Sunday, a tough loss that left the team and its fans reeling. The Bengals had a chance to seal the victory with a 53-yard field goal attempt in overtime, but Evan McPherson's kick sailed wide left, sealing the Ravens' 20-17 win.

In the aftermath of the loss, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was forced to answer questions about his team's playcalling, particularly in the moments leading up to McPherson's missed field goal. Taylor explained that the team's strategy was to try and get the ball into a more manageable position for McPherson, who had been struggling with his long-range kicks all day.

Taylor pointed out that the Bengals had been having success running the ball with Joe Mixon, who had picked up several key first downs throughout the game. The coach felt that by running the ball and trying to get a few more yards, the Bengals could give McPherson a shorter attempt and increase their chances of winning the game.

Despite Taylor's explanation, many Bengals fans were left questioning the team's decision to not try and get the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. With the ball at the Ravens' 35-yard line, Taylor decided to call a running play, which resulted in a minimal gain. The Bengals then attempted to pass the ball on the next play, but the pass fell incomplete, leaving McPherson to attempt the 53-yard field goal.

In hindsight, Taylor acknowledged that the team may have been better off taking a shot at the end zone, rather than trying to get the ball into a more manageable position for McPherson. However, the coach also pointed out that the team had been in similar situations before and had come out on top, and that sometimes these decisions simply don't work out.

For the Bengals, the loss to the Ravens is a tough pill to swallow, particularly given the way it ended. The team had been in control for much of the game, and had seemed poised to come away with the win. However, in the end, it was McPherson's missed field goal that proved to be the difference.

As for Taylor, the coach knows that he will face criticism for his team's playcalling in the final minutes of the game. However, he remains confident in his team and its ability to bounce back from tough losses. The Bengals will look to do just that in their next game, as they aim to put the disappointment of Sunday's loss behind them.