Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals

In the race for a playoff spot, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive resurgence has been a game-changer—and video analysis of their recent defensive stops reveals the precise tactics, player execution, and situational awareness that have turned a once-struggling unit into a force. From fourth-down stands to red-zone shutdowns, every key stop tells a story of coordinated effort: linemen collapsing the pocket, linebackers reading plays in real time, and defensive backs making clutch tackles or interceptions. Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down these defining moments, using film footage to highlight the small, intentional choices that add up to game-altering success. For coaches, players, and fans alike, this analysis isn’t just about reliving wins—it’s about understanding how the Bengals’ defense has evolved into a reliable backbone for their playoff push.

Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals begins with a deep dive into one of the team’s most critical plays: a fourth-and-1 stop against the Denver Broncos in Week 15, which sealed a 24-17 victory. Film footage shows the Bengals’ defensive line lining up in a “4-3 under” formation, with defensive end Trey Hendrickson shifting to the inside to overload the Broncos’ right guard. As the ball is snapped, Hendrickson uses a quick “swim move” to beat the guard, while defensive tackle DJ Reader occupies two blockers—creating a gap for linebacker Logan Wilson to shoot through. Wilson meets Broncos running back Javonte Williams at the line of scrimmage, wrapping his arms around Williams’ legs and driving him back for a 2-yard loss. “What stands out here is the pre-snap adjustment,” says former NFL defensive lineman Warren Sapp, who analyzed the play for ESPN. “Hendrickson’s shift forces the Broncos to reassign blockers at the last second, and Wilson’s timing—he doesn’t jump the snap, but he’s through the gap before Williams can get to the second level—is perfect.” The video also highlights the secondary’s role: cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Mike Hilton drop into short zones, eliminating any chance of a quick pass, which forces the Broncos to run the ball. This play encapsulates the Bengals’ defensive philosophy lately: aggressive yet disciplined, with every player knowing their role.

Another standout stop analyzed in video footage is a red-zone interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14, which halted a potential game-tying drive. The clip shows the Jaguars lining up in a “21 personnel” package (two running backs, one tight end) at the Bengals’ 10-yard line, signaling a likely run or short pass. Instead of sticking to their base zone defense, the Bengals shift to “cover-2 man,” with safety Jessie Bates III assigned to cover Jaguars tight end Evan Engram. As Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence drops back, he reads Bates leaning toward the inside—so he throws a fade pass to Engram on the outside. But video slows down to show Bates’ quick reaction: he plants his foot, turns, and uses his 4.4-second 40-yard speed to close the gap, leaping to intercept the ball at the 2-yard line. “Bates doesn’t bite on the fake,” notes NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell. “Lawrence thinks he has a one-on-one, but Bates maintains his discipline and makes a play that changes the game. That’s the kind of growth we’ve seen from the Bengals’ secondary—they’re not just reacting; they’re anticipating.” The film also shows the Bengals’ pass rush contributing: defensive end Sam Hubbard pressures Lawrence from the right, forcing him to throw earlier than planned, which gives Bates extra time to make the interception. This play is a prime example of how the Bengals’ defense has learned to work as a unit—each player’s effort enabling another’s success.

Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals also focuses on the team’s improved run defense, particularly a third-and-5 stop against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. Film footage of the play reveals the Bengals’ use of a “stacked linebackers” look: Wilson and fellow linebacker Germaine Pratt line up directly behind the defensive tackles, with Pratt slightly shifted to the right. The Cardinals, running a “zone read” play, have quarterback Kyler Murray reading defensive end Joseph Ossai. As Murray hesitates to decide whether to hand off or keep the ball, video shows Pratt sliding to his left, cutting off Murray’s running lane. Meanwhile, Reader and defensive tackle B.J. Hill push the Cardinals’ offensive line back, collapsing the pocket for the running back. When Murray finally hands off, the running back is met by Wilson at the line of scrimmage, with Pratt joining in for a tackle that gains just 2 yards—forcing a punt. “The stacked linebackers force Murray into a longer read,” explains Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who broke down the play in a team film session. “By the time he decides to hand off, we’ve already closed the gaps. That’s about pre-snap preparation and trusting the scheme.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this stop isn’t just about stopping the run—it’s about forcing the Cardinals into predictable passing situations later in the drive, which plays to the Bengals’ secondary strengths. The video underscores how every alignment and movement is intentional, designed to exploit the opponent’s tendencies.

A less flashy but equally important stop analyzed in video is a third-and-10 pass breakup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, which prevented the Steelers from extending a drive in the fourth quarter. The clip shows the Steelers lining up in a “spread formation” with four wide receivers, looking to exploit the Bengals’ secondary. The Bengals respond with a “cover-3” zone, with cornerback Mike Hilton assigned to the slot receiver, Diontae Johnson. As Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett drops back, he targets Johnson on a “slant route”—a favorite play of the Steelers’ offense. But video shows Hilton reading the route early: he backpedals for two steps, then plants and drives toward Johnson, using his hands to knock the ball away just as Johnson reaches for it. “Hilton’s key here is his patience,” says NFL cornerback coach Charles Woodson, who reviewed the play. “He doesn’t jump the slant—he waits, lets Johnson commit, then uses his quickness to break up the pass. That’s the difference between a completion and a stop.” The video also highlights the pass rush: Ossai beats the Steelers’ left tackle and pressures Pickett, forcing him to throw the ball slightly off-target, which gives Hilton the extra time he needs. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this stop is a testament to their secondary’s growth—early in the season, Hilton might have jumped the route and given up a touchdown, but now he’s playing with the discipline to make the right play. It’s a small shift that has had a big impact on the team’s defensive success.

Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with a look at a “goal-line stand” against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, a three-play sequence that kept the Browns out of the end zone and preserved a 31-27 win. Film footage of the sequence shows the Bengals’ defense adapting to the Browns’ physical style: on first down, the Browns run a “power” play, but Reader and Hill stonewall the running back for no gain. On second down, the Browns try a “fade” pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper, but Taylor-Britt stays step-for-step with Cooper and breaks up the pass. On third down, the Browns run a “quarterback sneak,” but the Bengals’ defensive line—led by Hendrickson—collapses the middle, stopping Pickett (who was subbing in for an injured Deshaun Watson) short of the goal line. “What’s impressive here is the consistency,” says Cosell. “Three different plays, three different looks from the Browns, and the Bengals stop them all—each time with precise execution.” The video slows down to show the small details: Reader’s hand placement to shed a blocker, Taylor-Britt’s footwork to stay with Cooper, and Hendrickson’s leverage to push the center back. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this goal-line stand is more than just a stop—it’s a statement. It shows that their defense can handle the most pressure-packed situations, a crucial trait for a team aiming to make a deep playoff run. In the end, Video Analysis of Defensive Stops by the Cincinnati Bengals reveals that the team’s defensive success isn’t luck—it’s the result of hard work, smart scheme, and every player executing their role. These stops aren’t just highlights; they’re proof that the Bengals’ defense has arrived.