Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals battle for a playoff spot in the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season, a noticeable shift has emerged on one side of the ball: their defense has found a new level of intensity. After a sluggish start to the year—marred by missed tackles, slow reactions, and costly breakdowns in coverage—the Bengals’ defensive unit has transformed into a disruptive force, turning momentum in close games and shutting down opposing offenses when it matters most. This surge isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the result of refined tactics, key players returning to form, and a collective mindset that prioritizes grit and execution. Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down how this newfound intensity has changed the Bengals’ fortunes, turning a once-unreliable defense into a cornerstone of their playoff push. For a team that’s long relied on its high-powered offense, this defensive resurgence has made the Bengals a more balanced, dangerous contender.

Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals begins with a look at the numbers, which tell a clear story of improvement. Through the first eight weeks of the season, the Bengals ranked 24th in the NFL in points allowed per game (26.8) and 22nd in rushing yards allowed (123.8 per game), struggling to contain both the run and the pass. But since Week 9, those numbers have flipped dramatically: they’ve climbed to 11th in points allowed (20.1 per game) and 14th in rushing yards allowed (110.5 per game), with a marked increase in takeaways—going from 8 turnovers in the first eight weeks to 12 in the last seven. The pass rush, too, has found its stride: after recording just 15 sacks in the first half of the season, the Bengals have tallied 18 sacks in their last seven games, with defensive end Trey Hendrickson leading the charge (he’s added 6 sacks in that span). “The difference is night and day,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “Early on, we were making too many mental mistakes—missed assignments, slow reads. Now, we’re playing with more urgency, more physicality, and it’s showing in the stats.” These numbers aren’t just arbitrary; they’ve directly translated to wins, with the Bengals securing four of their last five games thanks to late-game defensive stops.

A key driver of this defensive intensity has been the return of linebacker Logan Wilson, whose presence has stabilized the middle of the field. Wilson missed three games in October with a hamstring strain, and during his absence, the Bengals’ defense looked disjointed—struggling to cover tight ends and slow down the run. Since his return in Week 10, however, Wilson has been a force: he’s tallied 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups, using his football IQ and physicality to lead the defense. A defining moment came in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when Wilson made a game-sealing interception in the end zone with 2 minutes left, preventing the Jaguars from tying the game. “Logan is our quarterback on defense,” Anarumo said. “He’s the one who makes the calls, adjusts the coverage, and keeps everyone on the same page. When he’s on the field, the entire unit plays with more confidence.” Wilson’s leadership has also rubbed off on younger players, like rookie linebacker Owen Pappoe, who has stepped up in rotational roles and made key tackles in recent weeks. Together, they’ve formed a linebacker corps that’s no longer a liability, but a strength.

Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals also highlights the adjustments Anarumo has made to the defensive scheme, which have maximized the unit’s strengths. Early in the season, the Bengals relied heavily on man-to-man coverage, which exposed their young secondary to big plays. But since Week 9, Anarumo has shifted to a more zone-based scheme, dropping three safeties deep to limit deep passes and using linebackers to cover short and intermediate routes. This change has cut down on big plays—opposing teams have averaged just 3.2 plays of 20+ yards per game against the Bengals since Week 9, down from 5.1 in the first eight weeks—and forced quarterbacks into more hurried throws. “We’re playing to our strengths now,” Anarumo said. “Our secondary is talented, but they’re still learning. The zone scheme gives them more support, and it lets our pass rush get to the quarterback faster.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this tactical shift has been crucial. It’s allowed the defense to play with more aggression without leaving themselves vulnerable, creating a balance that’s hard for opposing offenses to exploit. In their Week 15 win over the Denver Broncos, the zone scheme held Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to just 210 passing yards and no touchdowns—his lowest output in over a month.

Another factor in the Bengals’ defensive resurgence has been the improved play of their secondary, which has overcome early-season injuries and inexperience. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who struggled with penalties early in the season, has settled into his role, recording 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups since Week 9. Safety Jessie Bates III, too, has stepped up, using his speed to make plays all over the field—he’s added 46 tackles and 1 interception in the last seven games. Even rookie cornerback DJ Turner II, who was slow to adjust to the NFL, has made key contributions, including a crucial pass breakup in the end zone against the Broncos. “Our secondary has grown up fast,” said Wilson. “Early on, they were making rookie mistakes, but now they’re playing with more poise, more confidence. They’re not backing down from anyone.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this improved secondary has been a game-changer. It’s allowed the defense to take more risks with the pass rush, knowing that the secondary can cover for longer, and it’s turned what was once a weakness into a reliable part of the defense. In a league where passing offenses dominate, having a strong secondary is essential—and the Bengals now have one.

Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with the impact this resurgence has had on the team’s overall playoff hopes. Before their defensive turnaround, the Bengals were a one-dimensional team, relying entirely on Joe Burrow and the offense to win games. But now, with a defense that can stop opponents and create turnovers, the Bengals have become a more complete team—one that can win low-scoring grinders as well as high-scoring shootouts. This balance was on full display in their Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals, where the defense held the Cardinals to just 17 points and forced two turnovers, while the offense chipped in enough points to secure the victory. “Having a good defense takes so much pressure off the offense,” Burrow said. “We don’t have to score 30 points every game anymore because we know the defense can hold teams down. That’s a huge weight off our shoulders.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this defensive intensity has not only improved their win-loss record—it’s also given them the confidence to compete with the AFC’s top teams. As they head into the final week of the regular season, the Bengals know that their defense can be the difference between making the playoffs and going home early. In the end, Defensive Intensity Rises to Aid the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of growth and resilience—a unit that refused to stay down, and in doing so, has given the team a fighting chance at a deep postseason run.