The Cincinnati Bengals entered Week 15 with slim hopes of making a run at the AFC North title. Following a 24-0 loss at home to the division rival Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
That prompted questions on the short-term future of quarterback Joe Burrow.
On Monday, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Burrow will play and start the rest of the regular season. When pressed on why he would make that decision, Taylor was quite blunt.
“Because we want to win,” Taylor said curtly, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr.
The Bengals dropped to 4-10 on the season. But this season was supposed to be different. Burrow and the Bengals' offense actually suited up to play during the preseason, in hopes of avoiding the slow start.
It appeared to work, as Cincinnati won each of its first two games. But in Week 3, Burrow suffered a toe injury that kept him out for much of the season. Without the former Pro Bowl quarterback under center, the Bengals went into a tailspin.
Yet, the division was still in sight with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ravens struggling. But on Sunday, Cincy laid an egg at home. With the team eliminated from playoff contention, some might have assumed Taylor would sit Burrow the rest of the year.
But he is healthy, and Taylor understands fans deserve more. It sounds like they are going to get it, starting in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins on the road. Then the Bengals close the season hosting the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns.
