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On the latest episode of First Take, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith did not hold back as the cast discussed the Cincinnati Bengals and the franchise’s performance under head coach Zach Taylor. The Bengals have a losing regular-season record of 52-63-1 behind Taylor, but made a Super Bowl appearance under his stewardship in the 2021-’22 season, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 23-20. With franchise players such as wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow, Bengals fans and league onlookers question the team’s lack of success. Smith gave his unapologetic opinion, calling out coach Taylor for his inability to prepare his team for regular-season play during the offseason. “[Zac Taylor], you’re lucky you have a job!” @stephenasmith calls out Cincinnati Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor 😬 pic.twitter.com/0E0C3Czr58 — First Take (@FirstTake) September 1, 2026 “My only regret is that I didn’t see Zac Taylor, so I can tell him to his face, ‘you’re lucky you have a job,’ this man and I’m going to say it again there needs to be an investigation with this man in the offseason, what the hell is he doing that his team is never prepared,” Smith said. “First six years this man was in Cincinnati…the man was 1-11, 1-11, before they won a couple games last year. They’re never prepared. Do you know what their record is since Joe Burrow has arrived in Cincinnati, in the months of September and October? They’re 9-10-1 in the month of September and they are 10-10 in the month of October. I mean, you gotta be kidding me.” As the Bengals look to start the 2026-’27 season, they ended preseason on a good note, finishing at the top of their division. There are no major injury reports leading up to Week 1, a situation that has been a detriment to the team in prior seasons. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase sustained a hyperextended knee in training camp but is expected to play with no long-term concern.