A Tuesday flight and a 6-day week: Bengals tweak their Madrid routine for Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor gained valuable experience from a similar situation in 2019 when his team faced the Los Angeles Rams in London. To prepare for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain, the Bengals are departing on Tuesday and will have Wednesday off. Instead of practicing Monday like they did in London, Taylor opted to have Thursday and Friday for practice at the Spanish National Team Training Facility.

This two-day earlier departure aims to help the players acclimate faster and be fresher for the match. Taylor explained that this schedule change is meant to speed up the coaching process and provide the team with a more comfortable pre-flight experience. The Bengals are currently on a 5-2 record, the best start for the franchise since 2021, after a 43-36 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans.

The team is also known for rallying from 13-point deficits in the first half the past two weeks, becoming the first team since New Orleans in 2020 to do so. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence emphasized that the trip to Madrid is not just about sightseeing, but rather to improve the team's record to 6-2 and tie Pittsburgh at the top of the AFC North before a crucial rematch in Cincinnati on November 15.

Taylor highlighted the opportunity to expand the "Who Dey Nation" fan base and recruit new supporters during their European visit. The main objective for the Bengals remains to secure their fourth consecutive win, reach 6-2, and defeat the Falcons.