Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals defense the unsung hero of team's win streak

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/14/22

QB Joe Burrow and his offensive playmakers have been talked about a lot surrounding the Bengals' recent win streak. However, it's time to give some credit to their defense.

Cincinnati ranks outside the top 10 in most defensive categories, but they seem to always make plays when it matters the most. And they have not allowed a quarterback to pass for 300 yards all season.

A defense full of playmakers.

They have not allowed a QB to pass for 300 yards this season #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/uIZldKFkNM
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 13, 2022

The Bengals won their fifth-straight game in Week 14 against a Browns team who's had their number as of recent. Cincinnati's offense produced, but it was the defense who held RB Nick Chubb, the third leading rusher in the NFL, to just 34 rush yards on the day.

The Bengals defense was a big part of their Super Bowl run last year, and they're starting to replicate that success once again.

"The Bengals defense has and can get a stop when they need it the most," ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said on "First Take."

"Their QB is clutch in Cincinnati. And with that defense, I trust the Bengals more than the Chiefs." - @danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/oKUE90mtU8
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) December 5, 2022

The Chiefs are favored second to the Bills to win the AFC. However, Orlovsky has seen enough and believes Cincinnati should surpass Kansas City.

"I trust their defense way more than I trust the Chiefs'," Orlovsky added. "They're defense can find a way to make a stop."

If the Bengals can continue having success on both sides of the ball, it would be no surprise to anyone if they won out.

With the Bills and Ravens still to come on their schedule, Cincinnati controls their own destiny and may be on their way to the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

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