Bengals Rumors On Defensive Improvement, Reds Bring Back Emilio Pagan, Crosstown Shootout Preview

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense, once dubbed the worst in NFL history for surrendering over 400 yards per game and 32.7 points on average through 11 weeks, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last three outings. Post-bye week, this young unit—plagued by rookie errors, poor tackling, and a lack of takeaways—has flipped the script, providing a lifeline to a 4-8 team clinging to faint playoff hopes.

The turnaround ignited in Week 12 against the New England Patriots, where Cincinnati limited a surging offense to 26 points, their second-lowest yield of the season. Defensive coordinator Al Golden highlighted improved tackling and run defense, crediting middle linebacker Barrett Carter's "line of scrimmage command." Though the Bengals fell 26-20, it marked a stark contrast to prior debacles, like the 80 combined points leaked to the Bears and Jets pre-bye.

Thanksgiving's 32-14 rout of the Baltimore Ravens on November 27 epitomized the surge. Facing the AFC's hottest team, the defense forced five turnovers—including three from Lamar Jackson—while sacking him thrice and holding Derrick Henry to 60 rushing yards. They allowed just 346 total yards, converted only 3-of-10 third downs, and notched their first sub-26-point game since Week 1. Rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Carter shone: Knight's red-zone interception and Carter's leadership in calls anchored the front seven. As Golden noted, the group is "populating the ball" more aggressively, blending sophisticated blitzes with veteran poise.

Head coach Zac Taylor praised the "complete-game" effort, the first of 2025, while quarterback Joe Burrow, returning from injury, credited the "building" momentum. Even safety Geno Stone admitted fewer missed tackles, signaling growing confidence.

With edge rusher Trey Hendrickson nearing return, this three-week sample—yielding 14 points per game against Baltimore and better third-down stops—hints at sustainability. For a squad eyeing a Buffalo rematch, it's not just improvement; it's redemption. The Bengals' kids have grown up, turning a liability into a weapon just in time.

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