Zac Taylor Recalls Defining 2021 Bengals Win
The Bengals head coach reflects on a pivotal 41-17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that reshaped his team's confidence.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
Coach Zac Taylor identifies the Cincinnati Bengals' 41-17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on October 24, 2021, as a significant career milestone. The win at M&T Bank Stadium marked a turning point for a team that had struggled against Baltimore in previous seasons.
Why it matters
This retrospective look highlights the psychological shift required for a franchise to overcome long-standing divisional rivals. Validating the team's internal confidence served as a foundational building block for the squad's subsequent performance improvements.
In the 2021 matchup, Joe Burrow threw for 416 yards and three touchdowns while Ja'Marr Chase racked up 201 receiving yards on eight catches. Samaje Perine iced the game with a 46-yard touchdown run with 6:59 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The players
Zac Taylor
He is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals who has led the organization through a period of competitive resurgence.
Joe Burrow
He serves as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and is a central figure in the team's offensive operations.
Ja'Marr Chase
He is a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals known for his ability to produce explosive yardage totals.
C.J. Uzomah
He is a professional football player who previously played tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Samaje Perine
He is a running back who has been a key contributor to the Cincinnati Bengals' ground game.
The details
The offensive explosion featured a seven-man protection scheme that allowed Joe Burrow to complete 23 of 38 passes. Ja'Marr Chase provided a highlight-reel moment in the third quarter with an 82-yard touchdown reception, while C.J. Uzomah contributed two additional touchdown catches.
Timeline
October 24, 2021: The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens 41-17 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This historical victory stands as a stark departure from the 2021 Bengals-Ravens series sweep that previously defined the team's divisional struggles. By breaking that cycle, the win provided the necessary momentum to alter the franchise's trajectory in the AFC North.
The 2021 game established a benchmark for offensive output with 416 passing yards, proving the effectiveness of the team's seven-man protection scheme. Fans and analysts continue to use this specific performance as the standard for measuring the team's current offensive ceiling.
The takeaway
Achieving a decisive win against a recurring rival can serve as the psychological catalyst for an entire organization's turnaround. Implementing a consistent, high-protection offensive strategy against aggressive defensive fronts remains a reliable path to success.
Further reading
For more on current roster developments, visit the Cincinnati Football section.
