At the bye, the Bengals’ defense looks like a unit that has taken real steps forward after a busy offseason, even if it still has a few uneven spots. Cincinnati added heavily to this side of the ball with Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe in free agency, traded for Dexter Lawrence, and drafted Cashius Howell. Through five games, the results are mixed, but there’s enough production across the board to say this group has mattered.
The overall picture is respectable: the Bengals rank 20th in the league in yards allowed, but they’re 14th in takeaways and sixth in sacks. That’s a noticeable jump from 2025, and it gives the front office something to build on as the season pauses and the trade deadline approaches.
Up front, the defensive tackle room has been the clear strength. Dexter Lawrence has had an immediate impact, piling up three sacks while also standing out as one of the NFL’s best run stuffers.
Jonathan Allen has fit right in as well, matching that same sack total and adding a pass deflection. As a tandem, they’ve been one of the league’s best interior pairs, and with T.J.
Slaton and B.J. Hill giving the Bengals serviceable snaps behind them, this is a deep and dangerous group.
The edge rushers have been strong too, with Boye Mafe leading the way. He’s already put together a productive five-week stretch with six solo tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
If this were just about Mafe, the grade would climb even higher. The issue is the depth behind him.
Myles Murphy has been useful with 1.5 sacks, and Cashius Howell has been among the rookie pressure leaders, but Cincinnati could use more consistency from that pair, along with more from 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart.
Linebacker has come along better than expected, even if the floor is still a concern. Demetrius Knight Jr and Barrett Carter entered the year after rough rookie seasons, but both have looked more comfortable in their roles.
Knight Jr made a major play in Week 1 against the Buccaneers when he recovered a fumble for a touchdown, and Carter came through with a perfectly timed sack against the Dolphins in Week 5 to help seal it. The problem is what sits behind them.
There’s almost nothing there, and any injury would leave this group exposed.
In the secondary, the Bengals have gotten solid work from their cornerbacks. DJ Turner and Dax Hill have both followed up strong seasons with more good play.
Turner hasn’t been targeted nearly as often, which says plenty about how opposing offenses view him on the outside. Hill has seen more action and answered with a forced fumble and five passes defended, which is tied for 22nd in the NFL.
The missing piece is an interception. Third-round pick Tacario Davis has also flashed promise and could become a long-term difference-maker back there.
Safety has held up well too. Bryan Cook has brought exactly what the Bengals hoped for when they signed him, and the missed-tackle problems from last season appear to be fading.
The turnovers are showing up as well. Cook has forced a fumble, while Jordan Battle has grabbed three interceptions, including two against the Dolphins, tied for the most in the NFL.
Kyle Dugger and PJ Jules have filled backup roles without making much noise, but the starters have done enough to give this group a solid B+ grade.
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Bengals Have A Special Teams Problem Beyond Their Star Kicker
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The problems have extended beyond the return game, too. Punter Ryan Rehkows average yards per punt sits near the bottom of the NFL, and coverage miscues have repeatedly turned routine hidden-yardage situations into trouble. For a team that has needed cleaner execution in close games, special teams has become one more area where mistakes have carried real consequences. [Read more 🡒]
Joe Burrows Mom Opens Up About The Bengals Stars Rise
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Published weekly on Cincinnati.com from Oct. 21 through Nov. 18, the series is built around the perspective of the women who have watched the Bengals rise from close range. Robin Burrows episode is expected to touch on the milestones that marked Joes climb, along with the recruiting and big-stage moments that defined his journey, giving fans a more personal view of one of the most followed players in the league. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Make Last-Minute Roster Moves Before Crucial Ravens Trip
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The timing fits the reality of this point in the season, when every practice-squad move can matter a little more than usual. Cincinnati has been working through personnel issues while getting ready for a Ravens matchup that carries real weight, and the roster activity suggests the staff is still sorting out how best to patch together the backup layers behind the main lineup. [Read more 🡒]