The Detroit Lions are preparing for their third consecutive AFC North matchup as they travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 of the 2025 season. The two franchises don’t cross paths often—just 13 meetings all-time, with Cincinnati taking the most recent one in 2021 during head coach Dan Campbell’s first year in Detroit.
Even with limited team history, the head coaches know each other well. Campbell and Zac Taylor worked side by side with the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2015, with Taylor serving as Campbell’s offensive coordinator when Campbell was named interim coach in their final year together.
“I’ve known Zac for a long time,” Campbell said this week. “What he’s done there has been impressive—they’ve really built something.”
Zac Taylor’s Leadership and Coaching Style
Experience: 13 NFL seasons, 7 as a head coach (all with Cincinnati)
Influences: Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike Sherman, Joe Philbin, Bill Lazor
Playcaller: Yes
Notable Fact: Served as Jared Goff’s OC in Los Angeles during their 2018 Super Bowl run
Taylor is praised for culture-building and leadership, qualities that helped guide Cincinnati to a Super Bowl in his third season. Still, critics argue that his offensive creativity hasn’t kept pace with other coaches like McVay.
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Experience: 10 seasons with Bengals
Role: 2nd year as OC, promoted in 2024 after Brian Callahan left for Tennessee
Scheme Overview:
Passing system blends West Coast and modern spread concepts
Heavy use of 11 personnel (69%) and 12 personnel (27%)
Outside-zone running is a staple, but 60% of runs attack inside the tackles
Traditionally pass-heavy with Joe Burrow, but offense is more balanced under Jake Browning
Limited use of play-action (18.5%, 31st in NFL)
Designed for explosive plays via Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Scouting Notes on the Bengals’ Offense:
Under 200 total yards in three of four games this season
Discipline issues: penalties and repeated execution mistakes
Conservative play-calling against Denver after risky approach vs. Minnesota led to turnovers
Passing game failing to maximize WR talent; decisions often rushed
League-worst rushing attack, with the offensive line struggling badly—especially inside with two rookie guards
Aidan Hutchinson could be a major mismatch for Cincinnati’s tackles
Campbell acknowledged the talent of Chase, Higgins, and RB Chase Brown but emphasized Detroit must disrupt passing lanes while containing the run game.
Defensive Coordinator: Al Golden
Experience: 7 years in NFL, multiple college DC/HC roles
Scheme: 4-2 base alignment with a heavy emphasis on risk-averse football
Coverage Mix: Cover-3 (33%), Cover-1 man (23%), Cover-6 (21%)
Defensive Traits:
Built to stop the run first, with a heavy defensive line rotation
Minimal blitzing—lowest rate in the league (12.7%)
Trey Hendrickson is the primary pass-rush threat, though depth is limited with Shemar Stewart injured
Linebackers play a central role but often rotate out in questionable spots
Secondary has struggled with communication, giving up significant yards after the catch
Dax Hill in the nickel role could be a key test for Amon-Ra St. Brown
Campbell on the Bengals’ Defense:
He highlighted the consistency of players like B.J. Hill and Logan Wilson, along with Hendrickson’s edge presence, while stressing the Lions need to be sharp against a defense with tough, physical playmakers.
