# Zac Taylor Praises Jesse Minter Ahead of Bengals-Ravens Game

> Bengals coach Zac Taylor lauds Ravens' new head coach Jesse Minter before Week 7 clash.
- Title: Zac Taylor Praises Jesse Minter Ahead of Bengals-Ravens Game
- Summary: Bengals coach Zac Taylor lauds Ravens' new head coach Jesse Minter before Week 7 clash. Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised Ravens' first-year head coach Jesse…
- Keywords: zac taylor, jesse minter, bengals, ravens, nfl, week 7 clash, trey hendrickson, john harbaugh, los angeles chargers, defensive coordinator, baltimore ravens, cincinnati bengals
- Source: Cincinnati Bengals On SI — https://si.com/nfl/bengals/onsi/zac-taylor-delivers-high-praise-to-ravens-hc-jesse-minter-prior-to-week-7-clash-01m5b2p741pt
- Published: 2026-10-22T12:46:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zac taylor, jesse minter, bengals, ravens, nfl, week 7 clash, trey hendrickson, john harbaugh, los angeles chargers, defensive coordinator, baltimore ravens, cincinnati bengals
## Bengals Face Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals will face Trey Hendrickson for the first time this season, who previously played for Cincinnati for five years before joining the Ravens.
## Ravens' New Head Coach
Jesse Minter, the Ravens' first-year head coach, previously served as the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator.
## Zac Taylor's Praise
Bengals coach Zac Taylor called Minter 'really smart' and noted his players have 'confidence in him' and respect for his leadership.

> Really smart. He's got a lot of confidence. I think the players respect him and have confidence in him
## Chargers' Defensive Success
Minter's Chargers defense allowed 285.2 yards per game last season, ranking fourth in the NFL.
## Ravens' Current Defense
This season, Minter's Ravens defense allows 310 yards per game, up from the Chargers' previous performance.
## Bengals' Offensive Strength
The Bengals offense averages 342.8 yards per game, with Joe Burrow leading the pass game at 260 yards per game.
## Bengals' Running Game
The Bengals' run game is bottom 10 in rushing yards per game, averaging 82 yards, but could be key for the AFC North crown.
## Key takeaway

Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised Ravens' first-year head coach Jesse Minter for his leadership and defensive success with the Chargers.