Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s offense continues to be top-10 good in most categories as it heads into Sunday's game (1 p.m.-Cincinnati's Local 12) in Cleveland.
And, top half of the league (No. 15) in its most improved area over last season, 4.6 yards per rush compared to 4.0.
The Bengals are fifth in third-down efficiency, seventh in passing yards per game, eighth in yards per pass and total pass yards, 10th in points per game and 12th in total yards per game.
After Friday's practice, Taylor talked about a scheme he says has been the most flexible of his six seasons.
"We have a lot of guys that can play," Taylor said. "We have four tight ends who can do a lot of things intellectually. They understand a lot. Our backs are smart, our receivers have all been here. None but Jermaine (Burton) are rookies.
"On the sidelines, we've got new plays coming in at any point during the game. Everyone's got it. I've been with a lot of people, and if it's not in the game plan, don't even bring it up. I feel like our game is evolving and they (the players) understand why."
JOE DIGITS
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is a big reason for those numbers, of course. This week he remained the only NFL quarterback to be in the top 10 in every major passing category, anchored by his NFL-leading 110.3 passer rating.
Heading into his 59th start, Burrow also remains all-time good. He has the fourth most touchdowns in anyone's first 58 starts with 109, trailing only Justin Herbert (111), Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino, each with 139. With a 68.3 completion percentage, he continues to be the all-time leader.
Taylor's not surprised what Burrow has done and reminds you before he got hurt last Nov. 16, he had been just as good. In that month-long stretch, he was the hottest quarterback in the league.
"San Francisco is as good as it gets," said Taylor of Burrow's 134.8 passer rating in the Oct. 29 win over the 49ers. "He's always done this when he's in a groove, he's got some games under his belt, and that's where he is right now."
TREY SALUTE
Bengals Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson appears in his 100th NFL game Sunday with 64.5 sacks, putting him ahead of some elite company. After 99 games, Pro Football Hall-of-Famers Julius Peppers had 63 sacks with Kevin Greene, Jason Taylor and John Randle each getting 60.5.
500 CLUB
Sunday is also the 500th game for Bengals.com, a stretch that began Aug. 4, 2000 in the preseason opener in Buffalo. It includes 93 preseason games, 14 postseason games, and 393 regular-season games after Sunday's game.
