Bengals' Zac Taylor Explains Playcalling Before Missed FG in OT Loss to Ravens

The Cincinnati Bengals fell just short of beating the Baltimore Ravens in overtime on Sunday.

The Bengals had a chance to seal the victory with a 53-yard field goal from Evan McPherson, but his kick was wide left after a bad snap/hold, allowing the Ravens to march down the field and win it on a field goal of their own.

After the loss, head coach Zac Taylor explained the playcalling decision—which included three straight runs after a Lamar Jackson fumble—that led to a fourth down and the missed field goal.

"We've thrown the ball in that situation before," Taylor told reporters. "...We called a pass. Joe (Burrow) actually did a great job getting us out of it back into a run because the look was not there to throw it."

Ryan Rehkow, who mishandled the snap on the field goal, also took accountability for the mishap.

"I've got to be better. Plain and simple," he said, per The Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith.

The Bengals put together one of their best games of the season on Sunday. Quarterback Joe Burrow posted 392 passing yards and five touchdowns on 30-of-39 passing, showing flashes of an MVP-caliber player.

While Cincinnati's defense struggled to contain Baltimore, its offense made up for it and kept the Bengals in the game. Even after it had arguably its most complete game this year, errors in overtime meant Cincinnati dropped to 1-4 as its hopes of reaching the playoffs took another hit.

The Bengals' only win so far this season came against the Carolina Panthers and it has dropped games to the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and now Ravens.

History is not on Cincinnati's side as just 15 teams have reached the playoffs after a 1-4 start, the most recent one being the Commanders in 2020. The Bengals have a chance to right the ship over the next few weeks though, as they'll get a pair of manageable games against the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

After another loss on Sunday, it's fair to say those games are now must-win.