The first assessment Zac Taylor ever made as an NFL coach was that of Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was then the quarterback at Boise State. The Bengals head coach feels he didn't handle the job as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins particularly well in 2012.

“In my opinion, the worst interview ever,” Taylor told reporters on Wednesday. “I asked terrible questions, I'm a little embarrassed. I don’t think he knew any different because it might have been his first interview, but as a player he was as impressive as it gets.”

Taylor took a moment to reflect, but he particularly focused on Vic Fangio's defense, which had not allowed a touchdown in the last two games before Sunday's game against the Eagles in Cincinnati. The Birds recorded eight sacks against the Giants and limited New York to 119 yards. Putting pressure on quarterback Joe Burrow will be crucial to the Eagles' defensive plan.

“The front jumps out at you,” Taylor said. “They have invested in this area. They have strong defensive tackles and really athletic guys. (Linebacker Zack) Baun comes from the second level. They also like to put pressure on him. He did a good job and produced quite a bit. It's a good defense. They played well last week. They produced a lot last week. It’s a challenge for us.”

The last time the Birds faced Burrow and the Bengals in 2020, the Eagles sacked the rookie eight times in a 23-23 tie. During the game, now-retired Fletcher Cox hit Burrow shortly after a throw near the sideline. Burrow started complaining to the referees and talked about it New heights In a podcast earlier this year, Cox said: “You're not getting that call, Rook!”

On Wednesday, Burrow said he was glad Cox wouldn't face him this year.

“He's a great player, always has been, always caused a stir, so I'm glad he's retired,” Burrow told reporters.

“I hope he's still sitting on his couch enjoying a nice dinner or something. Stay off the field.”

The Eagles play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they analyze the hottest storylines surrounding the team Matchday headquarterslive from Paycor Stadium.