Bengals 2025 Weakness Could Become 2026 Strength

Where Does the Bengals Defense Rank?

There’s no denying that the Bengalss biggest problem last season was their defensive struggles. Obviously Joe Burrow being injured put a damper on the season, but the defense played just as large a part in the unsuccessful season. 

Cincinnati had one the worst defenses in the NFL during the 2025 season. They ranked 30th in the league in points allowed, 26th in passing yards allowed, and 31st overall in total defense. Even with a fully healthy Joe Burrow, it’s fair to say the Bengals would have been a fringe playoff team. 

The praise has been high so far during training camp in Cincinnati. Running back Chase Brown was quick to show love to his teammates on the other side of the ball. He told the NFL Network, “That’s an experienced group. To see what they’re doing this year, the amount of havoc they’re causing up front, the amount of pressure they’re putting on Joe. I feel comfortable saying this: That’s a top-10, top-five defense.” 

Bengals Key Offseason Additions

Part of the reason for the big shift on the defensive side of the ball are the new pieces. The Bengals added several high level players that will certainly make an immediate impact. Some of those players are: three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence, former Super Bowl champion Boya Mafe, two-time Super Bowl champion and Cincinnati native Bryan Cook, 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year Cashius Howell, and two-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen. 

When Trey Hendrickson signed with Baltimore, there was plenty of uproar and disappointment from the Cincinnati fanbase, and especially some doubt heading into the 2026 season. However, between the offseason moves that were made and the training camp momentum, it’s safe to say that the Bengals faithful can feel good about the direction that the defense is headed.