Bengals got gift from NFL schedule-makers in key area
The Cincinnati Bengals are shockingly slow starters under Zac Taylor, with no better example than last year's season-opening loss to a bad New England Patriots team that essentially derailed the season.
But with the 2025 NFL schedule released, one could almost suggest those in charge of making the schedule aimed to help the Bengals with this problem.
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In fact, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports did just that while predicting the Bengals go 10-7:
"They are notoriously slow starters and couldn't pull themselves out of their early 1-4 hole last year. And in a division where the Ravens are a powerhouse and the Steelers should still be good, a fast start is essential. So it's a huge help that Cincinnati's first two games are against the Browns (in Cleveland) and Jaguars (at home). The NFL gave the Bengals a fighting chance to start fast."
RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals 2025 game-by-game predictions following schedule release
Of course, the Bengals have to actually beat the Browns and Jaguars for this gift of an opening slate to matter. And with more contract drama hanging in the air before training camp via Trey Hendrickson, who knows if a slow start can be avoided again.
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But Zac Taylor's plans to change the offseason up in an effort to stop the slow starts needs to work. The rest of the schedule is not friendly at all, not with six road games against playoff teams and a brutal Ravens-Bills-Ravens stretch late in the season.
RELATED: Bengals schedule release: Quick thoughts on primetime games and more
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals got gift from NFL schedule-makers in key area
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