CINCINNATI -- When Bengals coach Zac Taylor named the ideal traits for his next defensive coordinator, one jumped out. A familiarity with the AFC North.
For Taylor, playing in one of the NFL's toughest divisions requires an intimate understanding of what makes it so daunting. That meant hiring someone he knew well -- former assistant Al Golden, who was officially announced as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator on Thursday.
If Cincinnati wants to get back to being not only a playoff team but a Super Bowl contender, that requires improved play in the division. That point was hammered home when the Bengals announced the hire of new offensive line coach Scott Peters.