When Zac Taylor took the reins in Cincinnati back in 2019, it marked a clear pivot for the Bengals - moving on from Marvin Lewis’ long tenure and defensive identity in favor of an offensive-minded approach. But while Taylor was brought in to modernize the offense, the defense was left in a precarious state. That’s where Lou Anarumo stepped in and, for a while, turned things around.
Anarumo inherited a struggling unit and managed to elevate it to respectability. By 2022, the Bengals’ defense was playing with confidence, discipline, and, at times, dominance.
But as quickly as that rise came, the fall hit even harder. Fast forward to this offseason, and Anarumo found himself out of a job - the scapegoat for a team that had lost its way.
In his place, Cincinnati turned to a familiar face: Al Golden, the former linebackers coach who had just wrapped a successful stint at Notre Dame. The hope was that Golden could bring fresh energy and perhaps a more modern scheme. Instead, things have gone from bad to worse.
A Defense in Freefall
Let’s not sugarcoat it - the Bengals’ defense this season has been historically poor. They rank dead last in the NFL in both points allowed and total yards allowed.
That’s 32nd out of 32 teams, and it’s not just a case of bad luck or a few rough games. The issues are systemic.
The numbers paint a grim picture. Opponents are converting on third down nearly half the time - 47.8% to be exact - a regression from last season.
Tackling has been a major issue as well, with Cincinnati racking up 133 missed tackles on the year. Five different players have logged double-digit missed tackles, which speaks to both technique and effort concerns.
And it’s not just one area of the defense that’s struggling. The Bengals are 31st against the pass and 32nd against the run. That’s a full-system collapse, and it’s hard to find any silver linings when the unit is getting beat in every phase of the game.
Golden’s Future in Question - Or Is It?
Given the numbers, it would be fair to assume Golden’s seat is scorching hot. But according to ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, that might not be the case. Graziano noted that the Bengals could very well give Golden a second year to implement his system, especially given the coaching staff’s belief that the linebacker group has shown improvement as the season progressed.
That’s a curious stance, considering how the defense has performed overall. Still, it suggests the front office may be leaning toward continuity over another reset.
Maybe they believe the system needs more time. Maybe they think with the right personnel tweaks, Golden’s approach can work.
But from a results standpoint, it's hard to justify.
What’s Next for Cincinnati?
It’s a pivotal offseason in Cincinnati. With Taylor’s job security now a topic of conversation, every coaching decision carries weight.
The Bengals have talent on both sides of the ball, but the defense has clearly held them back this year. Whether that’s on Golden, the players, or a combination of both, something has to give.
If Golden stays on, the pressure will be immense. The numbers this season don’t just suggest a bad year - they suggest a defense in need of a complete overhaul. Scheme, fundamentals, personnel - all of it needs attention.
One thing is clear: the Bengals can’t afford another season like this. Whether that means moving on from Golden or doubling down and giving him the tools to turn things around, the decision will say a lot about how this franchise views its path forward.