One of the biggest strengths of the Zac Taylor era for the Cincinnati Bengals has been the locker room culture constructed carefully over the years.
That’s a strength that will now be leaned on more so than at any other point of that era with Joe Burrow out for the season and the outlook grim this winter.
As such, the spotlight turns to leaders like DJ Reader — who had quite a bit to say about that outlook early this week.
“I hate that whole cliché look in the mirror thing, but we just have to bond together,” Reader said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Just understand it’s going to take all of us to get a dub and how important it is and all the things that go into it. Just be ready for the moment.
“I don’t question anybody’s effort on this team. Just having those tough conversations with each other. Understanding what it’s going to be and what it’s going to take for us to get better.”
Many of those conversations will remain behind the scenes, with outsiders only seeing the results on the field. But Zac Taylor has openly talked about issues, such as the lack of touches for rookie running back Chase Brown. So has offensive tackle Jonah Williams, who says the running game must improve.
The locker room remaining strong through leaders like Reader is critical if the team is to make any kind of push at all in the conference the rest of the way. But it’s also imperative looking ahead to an offseason of roster turnover before Burrow returns next year.
