5 NFL coaches on the hot seat down the stretch of 2017 season
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
2017 Record: 3-4, Third in AFC North
Like John Fox and Chuck Pagano, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis’ name tossed in the hot-seat rumor mill.
Similar to the Buccaneers, the Bengals have enough talent on both sides of the ball to suggest a serious playoff contender. Even after finishing 6-9-1 in an otherwise disappointing year a season ago.
But like last year, the Bengals haven’t put that talent to on-field results over eight weeks deep into 2017. Lewis’ offense ranks 26th in scoring (122 points) and 30th in yards gained (2,010). Two of their three wins this season have come against the lowly Browns and Colts too, so it isn’t as if that 3-4 record deserves a lot of style points.
Moreover, the Bengals are a team lacking identity and discipline. Perhaps that’s what happens when you employ linebacker Vontaze Burfict, but there is a clear lack of cohesion from the top of the roster on down. That falls on the head coach.
There’s still time for Lewis to turn things around. But with a three-game road trip starting in Week 9, the Bengals’ chances look bleak.
Lewis’ chances look bleak as well.