The Bengals Defense Comes up Big in Week One; Can They Keep It Up?
The Cincinnati Bengals started off the 2025-26 season with a win for the first time since 2021. The Bengals outlasted the Cleveland Browns, winning 17-16, forcing two crucial turnovers and reaping the benefits of Andre Szmyt's missed PAT and 36-yard field goal. The Bengals, known for their early-season slumps, came into this game being 1-11 in Weeks One and Two with head coach Zac Taylor and head back to Cincinnati next week to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In the box score, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense doesn't blow you away. They allowed 339 yards of total offense, but only 16 points. The Bengals brought in Al Golden after firing Lou Anarumo this offseason, and it seems to be working out pretty well. A constant theme of Anarumo's defenses was “bend, don’t break,” something the Bengals took to heart this game. Tightening up the defense in moments that matter the most.
Jordan Battle led the Bengals with 12 total tackles, while Demetrius Knight Jr. led the team with eight solo tackles. Trey Hendrickson and B.J. Hill both recorded a sack, while D.J. Turner and Battle both intercepted Joe Flacco off tipped passes. Golden’s defense also added six pass deflections. However, it also gifted Cleveland a touchdown on their opening drive with seven penalties.
According to ESPN, the Bengals’ defense came into the 2025-26 season ranked as the 28th-ranked unit in the NFL. They outplayed expectations in Week One, but will be playing more talented offenses in most games the rest of the season. Cincinnati only allowed 49 rushing yards, a lot better than last season, when they allowed 124.82 rushing yards per game last season. The Bengals allowed 236.24 passing yards per game last season. Flacco passed for 290 yards in the Week One matchup.
If the Bengals’ young secondary can get it together, the sky is the limit for the defense. Newcomers T.J. Slaton, Shemar Stewart, and Mike Pennel all looked great in their debuts, holding down the run defense while also creating pressure when needed. If a handful of defensive snaps go the Bengals’ way, then they could’ve opened this game up to a 10+ point win. The Bengals take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season home opener next week, a more talented offense that could pose more problems. Watch out for Golden to rotate through defensive backs a lot next week, trying to get some momentum on defense going.
