CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Bengals head coach Zac Taylor saw plenty to like after reviewing the film from Cincinnati’s Week 1 victory, particularly from an offensive line that kept quarterback Joe Burrow clean and a defense that showed encouraging signs in its season debut.

The Bengals built a 21-3 lead before holding on for the win, giving Taylor the fast start his team had been seeking after recent struggles in season openers.

“I was proud of the effort, proud of the enthusiasm the guys played with, the confidence they played with,” Taylor said.

Taylor cautioned that Cincinnati remains a work in progress.

“The objective isn’t to be your best team Week 1,” Taylor said. “It’s to be your best team at the end of the season.”

Offensive line delivers

Taylor was particularly pleased with the offensive line against a defense that presented Cincinnati with numerous pressure looks.

“They kept him clean,” Taylor said of Burrow. “I was really impressed with the job that they did, number one, in protection, keeping Joe clean.”

The protection gave Burrow time to extend plays or remain in the pocket and wait for receivers to get open.

Taylor also saw positives in the running game, including several large holes for running back Chase Brown and some physical runs late in the game.

No concern about Burrow’s pick-6

One obvious blemish was Burrow’s interception returned for a touchdown.

Taylor said Burrow should have moved to his next progression on the play but dismissed any concern about the quarterback’s recent pick-6s.

“I’m not concerned about Joe,” Taylor said. “He’s unbelievable with his decision-making.”

“Of course, we don’t want that to happen, but I trust him fully.”

Receiver Dohnte Meyers capitalizes on opportunities

Taylor praised Meyers’ ability to make plays in space when opportunities came his way.

He pointed to two plays in particular, including a jet sweep and a reception that helped start Cincinnati’s closing drive.

Taylor liked the ball security and situational awareness, including staying inbounds.

“The plays that came his way, he made them (Sunday),” Taylor said.

Taylor also expressed confidence in Meyers as a returner, saying his speed and quickness give him the potential to produce explosive plays.

Burrow-to-Higgins connection even better on film

One of Burrow’s throws to receiver Tee Higgins impressed Taylor even more after he watched it again. It came in the final drive for a first down to essentially seal the victory.

Taylor said the coverage disrupted the normal timing of the play, with a defender getting his hands on Higgins and a safety moving back toward the middle.

Burrow nevertheless trusted Higgins and placed the ball where his 6-foot-5 receiver could make the play.

“How Tee came down with the ball, I’m still not clear on it,” Taylor said. “But he’s done that routinely for us.”

Young linebackers play fast

Taylor also liked what he saw from linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., particularly their ability to quickly diagnose plays.

“There’s no hesitation,” Taylor said.

He praised Barrett’s command of the defense while wearing the communication headset and said both players benefited from trusting the talent around them rather than trying to do too much.

Defense rallies to the football

Taylor described the tackling as solid for an opening game, although he saw room for improvement.

What stood out was the number of Bengals defenders pursuing the football.

“You saw a lot of jerseys around the ball,” Taylor said, noting that three or four defenders frequently converged on the ball carrier.

One problem Taylor won’t accept

Cincinnati was called for four neutral-zone infractions, something Taylor made clear must be corrected before the Bengals’ next game.

“We can’t have it,” Taylor said.

The penalties involved multiple players and wiped out some otherwise successful defensive plays.

“We’re not going to accept that,” Taylor said. “I know our guys are professional enough to understand that.”

Cincinnati now turns its attention to Houston for Week 2.