Bengals’ Zac Taylor’s warning shot to playoff teams: ‘They don’t want us in this tournament’


The Cincinnati Bengals had to win the rest of their games after a Dec. 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers to even get a chance to sniff the postseason this year.

They did exactly that.

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Zac Taylor on the sidelines

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor yells during the Steelers game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

The Bengals won their last five games of the regular season, including Saturday’s game against the Steelers, and at least have a chance to make the playoffs. They still need help with Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins lose on Sunday.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor fired off a warning to the rest of the playoff teams.

“They are capable of anything,” Taylor said via the team’s website. “They don’t want us in this tournament, I promise.”

BENGALS DEFENSE STEPS TO KEEP SMART PLAYOFF CHANCES ALIVE IN SEASON FINAL

Ja'Marr Chase gets the ball

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase catches a pass for a touchdown against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

The Bengals were 4-8 after losing to the Steelers on the first day of December, but dug deep to do their part and have a shot at the postseason – albeit a slim one.

The Jets from New York is tasked with ruining the Dolphins’ season, while the Kansas City Chiefs have their hands full against the Denver Broncos.

Bengals offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. said he would send text messages at night, hoping those two teams would settle things.

The Bengals defensive players are celebrating

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither celebrates a fumble recovery on a punt return with linebacker Germaine Pratt and running back Trayveon Williams during the Steelers game in Pittsburgh, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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“Hopefully everyone is taking care of their business,” he said. “Some guys who haven’t played yet but get the opportunity will hear from me. My message to Aaron Rodgers is I get his next trip to Peru.”

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