Preseason games are supposed to be safe tune-ups, an opportunity to shake off rust without risking the players who matter most once the real season begins.
But when Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor left Joe Burrow in during Week 2 of the preseason against the Washington Commanders, fans were in disbelief and outrage.
Social Media Erupts on Zac Taylor Leaving Joe Burrow in Preseason Game
The moment that sparked the firestorm came early. On just the Bengals’ second drive of the game, Burrow tried to extend a play on 3rd-and-12.
Instead, he was swarmed by three Washington defenders and sacked hard, the kind of play that could have ended Cincinnati’s season before it even started.
Burrow got up without issue, but for Bengals fans, the scare was enough.
Probably don’t want to see Joe Burrow doing this in a preseason game…
Or in any game, for that matter.pic.twitter.com/0SgdPnU8TG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 19, 2025
The reaction online told the whole story.
“Zac Taylor leaving Joe Burrow in a meaningless preseason game while he’s running for his life,” one fan posted.
Zac Taylor leaving Joe Burrow in a meaningless preseason game while he’s running for his life pic.twitter.com/MFdHocvlhH
— Chris ✟ (@OpoyChase) August 19, 2025
Another didn’t hold back: “Fire Zac Taylor. Should have been done already.”
Fire Zac Taylor. Should have been done already.
— IZ (@the1stmimzee) August 19, 2025
Some fans questioned why the starters played. “What is Zac Taylor doing right now?” wrote another.
What is Zac Taylor doing right now????
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 19, 2025
Others were even more direct: “I’d fire Zac today for Burrow getting another snap.”
I’d fire Zac today for Burrow getting another snap.
— DarthNoobSaibot (@DarthNoobSaibot) August 19, 2025
Another chimed in. “Bengals should fire Zac Taylor at halftime. How tf you got Burrow out there taking these shots playing with 2nd stringers is insane.”
bengals should fire zac taylor at halftime
how tf you got burrow out there taking these shots playing with 2nd stringers is insane
— Stevie Reno (@StevieReno) August 19, 2025
Another added, “If Burrow gets hurt, fire Zac Taylor on the spot. I’m genuinely confused why he is out there.”
The comparisons to other teams only added fuel to the fire. “Dan Quinn got Jayden Daniels tf outta there while Zac Taylor still has Joe Burrow out there,” a fan pointed out.
Taylor’s reasoning for keeping Burrow in traces back to the Bengals’ recent struggles. In the past two seasons, slow starts in September have hurt Cincinnati, and last year it ultimately cost them a playoff spot.
Taylor hoped to avoid another sluggish beginning by giving the starters more preseason reps. In theory, it made sense. But for many fans, the risk far outweighed the reward.
Burrow’s Success in Preseason, Look Ahead Into the 2025 Season
Despite that, Burrow has looked exceptional in limited preseason action. Across five drives this August, he has completed 18 of 24 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns, with the Bengals scoring on four of those possessions.
He already looks like he’s in midseason form. To fans, that proves he doesn’t need the extra snaps, and certainly not the kind that leave him vulnerable to preseason hits.
As supporters expressed their anxiety that one needless sack may ruin everything, social media became a live venting session. The rage was directed at the greater image rather than just the play.
Every snap Burrow takes in August feels like a gamble with the team’s future, because when he is healthy, the Bengals are serious competitors.
