Bengals Defense Roars Back to Life in Thanksgiving Statement Win Over Ravens
On a national stage with the lights brightest, the Cincinnati Bengals defense served up more than turkey on Thanksgiving Night - they delivered a resounding statement. Five forced turnovers.
A win over the AFC North-leading Ravens. And perhaps most importantly, a defense that looked like it had finally shaken off the struggles that had plagued it in recent weeks.
Let’s rewind for a second. Just a few weeks ago, this unit was reeling.
Back-to-back losses to the Bears and Jets - two games that were there for the taking - saw the Bengals surrender a combined 80 points. The tackling was sloppy, the coverage was inconsistent, and the pass rush wasn’t getting home.
It looked like a group that had lost its identity.
But since then? A complete shift.
Over the last three games, the Bengals have allowed just around 25 points per contest - and only 14 to a Ravens offense that had been red-hot coming in. That’s not just improvement.
That’s a group finding its footing again.
The performance against Baltimore wasn’t just about stats - it was about tone-setting. The Bengals defense played fast, physical, and confident.
They didn’t just react; they dictated. And according to defensive coordinator Al Golden, that’s no accident.
“We’re executing. We’re playing physical at the line of scrimmage,” Golden said on Dec.
- “I don’t feel like I have to manufacture negative plays - the guys up front are creating them.
That’s a credit to the players. They’re executing, and it’s been great to watch them grow and get the stops we need.”
Golden’s job, by his own admission, has gotten a little easier - not because the challenges are gone, but because the defense is playing with purpose and cohesion. The playbook has opened up.
The communication is cleaner. And perhaps most importantly, the young talent is starting to emerge.
Murphy and Ossai Making Their Presence Known
Take Myles Murphy, for example. The rookie defensive end didn’t stuff the stat sheet against Baltimore - two solo tackles and a key pass deflection - but his impact was undeniable.
That deflected pass? It turned into an interception for linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.
But beyond the highlight plays, Murphy was a constant presence, forcing the quarterback to move, reset, and adjust.
Golden sees it as a reflection of not just Murphy’s growth, but the entire defense’s mindset.
“Myles is playing with confidence and energy and speed right now,” Golden said. “There are a lot of plays that don’t show up in the box score, but he’s affecting the game - making quarterbacks step up, using his length, creating chaos.
That batted ball was huge. That’s what we need from him.”
Then there’s Joseph Ossai. With Trey Hendrickson sidelined, Ossai saw his role expand - and he made the most of it. Two sacks and a forced fumble against the Ravens, leading the charge up front.
“More reps are helping,” Golden said. “They’re settling in.
They’re playing fast. There’s a unity and strength in how they’re working together.
It’s not perfect - far from it - but it’s a fun group to coach.”
Rookie Linebackers Rising Fast
The Bengals’ defense isn’t just getting production from the edges. The linebacker corps, particularly rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, is showing signs of real growth.
Knight’s Thanksgiving stat line included an interception and three solo tackles. Carter added five total tackles of his own.
But their value goes beyond the numbers. Golden emphasized that both are handling increased responsibilities - and thriving under the pressure.
“You can feel it when a guy is growing,” Golden said. “Demetrius has handled each step - A, B, now we’re on to C and D.
We’re using him more on third down, and he’s earned that. Barrett’s in a tough spot too - when the guy next to you is also a rookie, it’s a lot to handle.
But he’s grown up fast. Over the last three weeks, he’s been commanding the line of scrimmage.”
That’s a big deal. It’s one thing to plug a young player into a defense full of veterans. It’s another to ask two rookies to anchor the middle of the field - and have them deliver.
A Defense That’s Growing - And Adapting
What’s clear from Golden’s comments is that this isn’t just a case of better execution. It’s about evolution.
The Bengals aren’t just reverting to their early-season form - they’re building on it. The playbook is expanding.
The players are adapting. And Golden’s able to call games with more freedom and creativity.
“We’re beyond the rookie stage now,” Golden said. “We’re designing freely, calling freely - and that’s a great place to be.
You can’t get predictable. You can’t get simplistic.
You have to keep growing.”
That growth is showing up on Sundays. And if this defense continues on its current trajectory, the Bengals could become a very tough out down the stretch.
The offense has shown it can put up points. Now the defense is showing it can win games, too.
Thanksgiving Night may have been the turning point - not just for the defense, but for the Bengals’ season.