The Cincinnati Bengals, ending their season at 9-8 and narrowly missing the playoffs, continue to struggle with slow starts, a trend noted by former player Andrew Whitworth. After a disappointing 0-3 and 1-4 start in previous seasons, Whitworth believes that head coach Zac Taylor faces increased pressure to turn this around, particularly following the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. He emphasizes that the team’s performance at the start of the upcoming season will be critical for Taylor's future with the organization, especially as they are led by star quarterback Joe Burrow.

With significant offseason decisions looming, the Bengals must prioritize retaining key players like Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, as their contracts come into play. Whitworth raises concerns about how these contract negotiations will unfold, indicating that it is a pivotal year for both Taylor and the Bengals as they seek to solidify their roster and improve their standing in the league.