Cam Taylor-Britt showed Pro Bowl potential early in his Cincinnati Bengals career. Drafted in the second round (No. 60 overall) in 2022, he was expected to be a key part of the secondary.
But last season was rough. He was benched, then returned, due to injuries around the Bengals defense. Despite a solid finish, inconsistency defined his year.
“Great corners can’t have a roller-coaster season,” Taylor-Britt said in May, per ESPN’s Ben Baby. “You have to stay the same way the whole season.”
Taylor-Britt’s rookie year gave fans hope. He played with a ton of confidence despite a limited 10 appearances. But the last two seasons? Injury and on-field errors. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, in the first 12 games of 2024, he allowed a completion rate 9.3% higher than expected and gave up 24 expected points added. That’s quite a dip from his rookie numbers.
The Bengals’ secondary was one of the league’s worst last season. Questions remain about Taylor-Britt and whether or not he can become the shutdown corner they hoped for. Or, is his ceiling lower? It’s about playing fast and instinctively, and last year, he didn’t look comfortable as a growing member of a Cincy defense that couldn’t find its footing.
Bengals CB1 Could Be Up For Grabs
Aging players, underperforming veterans like Taylor-Britt and safety Geno Stone, and a complex scheme caused breakdowns. The Bengals ranked 26th in points allowed per drive. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired after a 9-8 season that missed the playoffs.
Anarumo’s complex zone scheme confused the secondary. Communication and assignments suffered. After a 4-8 start, the defense simplified, sparking a five-game winning streak — but the damage was too far gone.
The fact remains, the CB1 job is open. Veterans have left the franchise, and young players are developing. Taylor-Britt has the experience and coaching support to claim that role if he stays healthy and reduces mistakes. Time will tell how he progresses in training camp.
“Taylor-Britt has been a candidate for this over the previous two seasons, but perhaps nobody benefited more from the fresh start under defensive coordinator Al Golden than the fourth-year cornerback, per The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. He’s proven he can play at a high level for stretches of his career, but he’s been unable to find consistency. He was benched multiple times last year, but his energy, athleticism and playmaking showed up in the offseason program. He sounds and looks more like the confident player who emerged on the scene in his first two seasons and less like the embattled and confused corner who scuffled through the ugly 2024 campaign. It could finally be his year to become a true CB1.”
New defensive coordinator Al Golden favors simpler schemes and man coverage. This fits Taylor-Britt’s aggressive style. He’s communicating better and making plays thus far in practice.
Fresh Start with Al Golden
Golden’s system cuts down guesswork. Taylor-Britt can play tight man coverage instead of overthinking zones. If he carries that into the season, the Bengals could finally get the consistent corner play they need.
The Bengals need a corner who can lock down top receivers and limit big plays every week. Perhaps then the strength of the offense will finally reach its ceiling with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase at the forefront.
It’s a prove-it campaign for both Taylor-Britt and the Bengals. If he can’t make this leap in 2025, they will have to find other answers.
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