Zac Taylor Embraces the Pressure, Myles Garrett Eyes History, and the Browns Stay the Course Amid Adversity
As the NFL regular season barrels toward its conclusion, the AFC North remains a battleground - and both the Bengals and Browns are navigating the kind of pressure-cooker moments that define teams, players, and legacies.
Zac Taylor Isn’t Flinching
For Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, the spotlight hasn’t dimmed - but it also hasn’t shaken his approach. Despite a turbulent season and questions swirling around Cincinnati’s playoff hopes, Taylor made it clear: he coaches every game like it could be his last.
“I don’t think it really matters,” Taylor said when asked about his job security. “I coach every day like it’s my last.”
That mindset isn’t new for Taylor. He’s been through the lean years - 2019 and 2020, when wins were scarce and patience was thinner. But he’s also seen what comes after the storm: back-to-back playoff runs in 2021 and 2022 that included a Super Bowl appearance and a renewed sense of belief in Cincinnati.
“This year is no different for me,” Taylor continued. “It’s about going through adversity. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our staff that we’re going to get this turned around, finish strong, and put together a great plan to get back to those championships I mentioned.”
That’s the kind of perspective that comes from experience - and from knowing what it takes to build something sustainable in a league that rarely waits around.
Jerry Jeudy Still Has the Browns’ Trust
Over in Cleveland, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy’s season has been a mixed bag. Ten drops on the year and just two catches for 22 yards in Week 15 might raise eyebrows, but inside the Browns’ building, the belief hasn’t wavered.
“I love Jerry Jeudy,” said offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. “I love what he brings to the game, I love his commitment to football.”
Rees didn’t sugarcoat the fact that Jeudy hasn’t made every catch they’d like - but he made it clear that Jeudy remains a central part of the offense. “We’re still going to trust him and feature him. That’s what he’s earned with us.”
That kind of backing is crucial, especially for a player trying to find rhythm in a system that’s been forced to adapt all year due to injuries and quarterback changes.
Rookie Judkins Still in the Fight
Running back Quinshon Judkins is another young Brown grinding through the gauntlet. After averaging just 1.8 yards per carry in a tough loss to the Bears, questions naturally arose about whether the rookie had hit the proverbial wall. Rees didn’t hesitate.
“I don’t,” he said flatly when asked if Judkins is wearing down.
The message is clear: the Browns see Judkins as part of the long-term plan, not just a short-term fix. And they’re not about to hit the panic button after one rough outing.
Harold Fannin Jr. Emerging as a Key Target
One of the bright spots in Cleveland’s offense has been tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who hauled in seven catches on 14 targets in the team’s last game. That’s a heavy workload, and Rees made it known they’re not afraid to keep going back to that well.
“The Harold Fannin well is a good one to go to,” Rees said.
That’s a strong endorsement for a young player who’s becoming a reliable option in a passing game that’s still searching for consistency.
Myles Garrett Chasing History - And More
Then there’s Myles Garrett - the Browns’ defensive cornerstone, vocal leader, and relentless pass-rushing force. With just one more sack, Garrett will tie Michael Strahan’s single-season record of 22.5 set back in 2001. And his teammates are fully locked in on helping him get there.
“Everybody knows he’s a Hall of Fame player,” said cornerback Jimmie Ward. “His name’s going to go down in history, and we’re all here to witness it.”
Ward even joked that he told Garrett not to break the record without him on the field. That’s the kind of camaraderie and respect Garrett commands in the locker room.
Garrett, who signed a four-year, $160 million extension back in March after a trade request, spoke candidly about the deal - and what really mattered to him.
“The money didn’t mean much to me,” Garrett said. “It’s nice to have the security… but it was always about achieving the potential I knew I had and working together to create something that would stand the test of time.”
He’s not just chasing numbers - he’s chasing legacy. Whether it’s team sack records or personal milestones, Garrett’s eye is on the bigger picture. And even with the record within reach, he made one thing clear: there’s no coasting.
“I don’t find myself ever being complacent with anything I do,” he said. “There’s never going to be any time for me to take it easy.”
What’s Next
For both Ohio teams, the finish line is near - but the mission is far from over. The Bengals are trying to claw their way back into the playoff conversation, while the Browns are battling through adversity with a mix of youth, star power, and belief in their process.
Zac Taylor’s Bengals are still swinging. The Browns are still building.
And Myles Garrett? He’s still chasing greatness - one sack at a time.