Cam Taylor-Britt’s Play Is Doing All the Talking Now
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“Those who desire fame are fond of praise and flattery, though it comes from their inferiors.” – Pliny the Younger, lawyer, author and magistrate of ancient Rome.
“Fame makes a man take things over / fame lets him lose hard to swallow / fame puts you there where things are hollow / fame not your brain, it’s just the flame / That puts your change to keep you sane” – David Bowie, “Fame”
If the above quotes have you wondering what in the world they have to do with football, good. Leaving you guessing matches the vibe of a consistently confusing football season for the Cincinnati Bengals. As for these quotes, they match up with the spot in which Cam Taylor-Britt now finds himself.
At 2-4, the Bengals find themselves only ahead of the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North standings. Ahead of them is a tough road, where the Baltimore Ravens are finding their groove with the two-headed mobile monster that is Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading their offense; likewise, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain competitive despite Justin Fields’ growing pains because, well, Mike Tomlin’s teams are always competitive.
That reality means that the Bengals are likely on the outside looking in for the playoffs in 2024, even as Zac Taylor and his men continue to preach a “never give up” mentality that would make Jim Valvano and John Cena proud. While Who Dey Nation hopes Sunday night’s ugly win against the New York Giants can be the start of a turnaround, a multitude of lingering issues are making nearly every game moving forward a must-win. The defense has often suffered the brunt of Bengals fans’ anger this season, but their strong performance in prime time has given many renewed hope.
The one player in Cincinnati that reflects the high highs and low lows of the Bengals’ defense is Cam Taylor-Britt. He’s been a lightning rod of sorts, but he’s the one player on the defense who arguably – “arguably” being the key word – deserves more praise than many may realize.
After a terrific one-handed interception against Kansas City in Week 2, the trash-talking third-year cornerback seemed ready to become the star and leader Cincinnati’s young secondary desperately needed. But the Bengals lost that game, putting them at 0-2 on the year.
.@CamTaylorBritt_ AKA JUICE 🧃🧃🤯
📺: #CINvsKC ON CBS/@paramountplus pic.twitter.com/0meOdZRnPA
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 15, 2024
Then, came Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, a game now remembered as Jaylen Daniels coming out party. It was also a performance that put Taylor-Britt’s “college offense” assessment of Washington’s offense into the spotlight, prompting a stern, less-than-happy response from Taylor. Taking on former Bengals mainstay Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, the Bengals came away with a win, their first of the year. Taylor-Britt, however, would watch the end of it from the bench after getting lit up for 84 yards and a touchdown. Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo assessed Taylor-Britt’s play as “erratic,” a fair statement given the numbers.
As opposed to being upset and going the diva route, though, Taylor-Britt took full responsibility for his poor performance and hasn’t looked back since. He currently leads the team with seven passes defensed, more than doubling anyone else on the team. His one interception is tied for the team lead, a number which would be higher had another one-handed pick not been called back for pushing off in the Carolina game. The former Cornhusker also is third on the team in tackles with 22, the most among anyone else on the defense outside of linebackers Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt.
Not only Taylor-Britt making plays, but his confidence is spreading to players like D.J. Turner. Taylor-Britt shone early in the Giants game, making a crucial third-down tackle to force a punt on his first series of the game, then had a critical pass breakup on the Giants’ second possession. That return to form prompted Daniel Jones to target Turner, whose pass interference call led to New York’s only touchdown. But on 4th-and-2, Turner stepped up to knock down Jones’ pass, forcing the turnover on downs. It was a case of big brother inspiring little brother, with Taylor-Britt assuming the leadership mantle.
Textbook from DJ Turner. Heck of a play on 4D. pic.twitter.com/APgfsAIyri
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) October 14, 2024
The bottom line is this: No one since the days of Chad Johnson has really talked so much and been able to (mostly) back it up as Taylor-Britt has. Those who talk the talk must walk the walk, as the old cliche goes, and while his two-game stint in Weeks 3 and 4 was rough, it’s hard not to believe Taylor-Britt – and more importantly, the Bengals – could be better for it. Taylor-Britt’s taken both the praise that comes with fame and the ridicule that comes from high-profile failure. Going through both those experiences might be fueling a step to the next level of his game. He has reclaimed his focus and – in letting his play do the talking – is poised to elevate the rest of the secondary with him.
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