The Difference for the Cincinnati Bengals Is Evident

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Difference for the Cincinnati Bengals Is Evident

Originally posted on TWSN | By Garret Staples | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 10:42 PM ET

The distinct difference for the Cincinnati Bengals from last season to Week 1 of the 2026 season is evident: it’s the trenches. Four turnovers forced by the defense in Week 1? That sounds like the amount of turnovers generated by the Bengals’ defense for the season.

With the defensive acquisitions added during the offseason and via the NFL Draft, the Bengals won their matchup in a totally different fashion than how the Bengals are expected to, featuring Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown. The Bengals offense gets all of the notoriety by national media, but with the acquisitions over the offseason, the Bengals won their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the defense!

A sight for sore eyes for Bengals fans. Both the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line kept Joe Burrow clean in the pocket and Brown running through massive truck sized holes on the ground. The defense generated interior and exterior pressure, disrupting the Buccaneers’ offense and speeding up Baker Mayfield’s clock escaping the pocket. The defense was stout.

The linebackers seemed to be out of position at times, but for two rookie linebackers from last season, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., you still could see the growth from year one to two.

This Bengals defense is looking ready for a Super Bowl run back to the building where they fell short last time @Bengals | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/1hjJqz7rcq
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 15, 2026

What Can the Bengals Hang Their Hat On as the Season Progresses?

Offensively, what stuck out to me was the Bengals’ offensive change in philosophy, adding Burrow under center and how explosive Brown and the running game operate from under center. With the running game humming, it makes Joe Burrow and the play-action passing game to the running back ultra-effective.

The Bengals’ improvement is in the trenches, on both the offensive and defensive lines. The Bengals in years past relied on the passing game and were more of a finesse team. Now, with a beefed-up offensive line and defensive line. The Bengals can now win ugly, creating turnovers defensively, making for layups for the Bengals offense. Giving the offense short fields to score quickly, like Sunday against the Buccaneers.

When the weather starts to change and it gets cold. A power running game and tough defense can travel in the Playoffs. These are the key differences from the Bengals last season to this year. A season that should, for the Bengals, be the one where the team remains healthy and captures the Lombardi Trophy.

This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.

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