Defensive Standouts Continue to Emerge for the Cincinnati Bengals

In recent seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have been known for their high-octane offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase—but this year, a new narrative is taking shape: the team’s defense is becoming a force to be reckoned with, thanks to a wave of emerging standouts. From young linebackers making their mark to veteran defensive linemen elevating their play, the Bengals’ defense has gone from a liability to a strength, providing crucial stops and turnovers that have turned close games into wins. This surge isn’t an accident; it’s the result of intentional roster building, strong coaching, and players stepping up when their team needs them most. Defensive Standouts Continue to Emerge for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the key players driving this defensive resurgence, how they’ve developed, and why their success is critical to the Bengals’ playoff aspirations.

Defensive Standouts Continue to Emerge for the Cincinnati Bengals first shines a light on second-year linebacker Myles Murphy, who has transformed from a promising rookie to a consistent pass-rushing threat. After a quiet first season—where he recorded just 1.5 sacks and struggled to find playing time—Murphy came into 2024 with a renewed focus. He spent the offseason refining his pass-rush moves, adding a devastating spin move to his arsenal, and working on his run defense to become a three-down player. The results have been impressive: through 12 games, he has 7 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles, including a game-changing sack in the fourth quarter of a Week 10 win over the Cleveland Browns that sealed the victory. “Myles put in the work this offseason, and it’s showing,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “He’s not just a pass-rusher anymore—he’s a complete linebacker who can stop the run and drop into coverage when needed. He’s exactly the kind of young player we want to build around.” Murphy’s emergence has eased the pressure on veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson, allowing the Bengals to rotate their pass-rushers and keep them fresh throughout the game.

Another standout making waves on the Bengals’ defense is third-year cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who has become one of the league’s most reliable shutdown corners. After dealing with injuries in his first two seasons, Taylor-Britt has stayed healthy in 2024 and has been a revelation. He currently ranks third in the NFL in pass breakups (14) and has recorded 3 interceptions, including a pick-six in a Week 8 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers that gave the Bengals a 14-0 lead. What sets Taylor-Britt apart is his physicality—he isn’t afraid to tackle running backs in the open field or jam wide receivers at the line of scrimmage—and his ability to read Burrow’s former college teammate, LSU product Justin Jefferson, in a Week 6 matchup that limited Jefferson to just 4 catches for 38 yards. “Cam has always had the talent, but this year he’s put it all together,” said Bengals secondary coach Charles Burks. “He studies film like a veteran, knows his opponents’ tendencies, and isn’t afraid to make a play. When we need a stop, he’s the guy we look to.” Taylor-Britt’s play has been particularly crucial in the absence of starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who missed six games with a hamstring injury, proving the Bengals have depth at a position that was once a weakness.

A defining aspect of Defensive Standouts Continue to Emerge for the Cincinnati Bengals is the resurgence of veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader, who has returned to his Pro Bowl form after a injury-plagued 2023 season. Reader, a key part of the Bengals’ defensive line since 2020, struggled with a knee injury last year, recording just 2 sacks and 25 tackles. But this season, he’s back to dominating the interior of the line: he has 4 sacks, 45 tackles, and 2 fumble recoveries, and has been a force in stopping the run—opposing teams are averaging just 3.2 yards per carry up the middle when Reader is on the field. In a Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, he single-handedly shut down the Ravens’ running game, recording 8 tackles and a sack that forced a turnover on downs in the red zone. “DJ is the heart and soul of our defensive line,” said Anarumo. “When he’s playing at this level, he makes everyone around him better. He commands double teams, which opens up gaps for our linebackers, and he’s a leader in the locker room who sets the tone for our defense.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Reader’s resurgence has been critical to their run defense, which has improved from 19th in the NFL last year to 11th this season—a key improvement for a team that plays in a division with run-heavy teams like the Ravens and Steelers.

Another emerging standout for the Cincinnati Bengals is rookie safety Jordan Battle, who has stepped into a starting role and exceeded all expectations. Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Battle was expected to be a backup and special teams contributor in his first season—but when starting safety Nick Scott went down with a shoulder injury in Week 3, Battle was thrust into the lineup. He hasn’t looked back: through 12 games, he has 65 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups, including a game-saving interception in the end zone against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 that preserved a 28-21 win. Battle’s strength is his football IQ—he’s able to read offenses quickly and react, often being in the right place at the right time to make a play. “Jordan has been a pleasant surprise,” said Burks. “He’s a quick learner, asks great questions, and isn’t afraid to make mistakes—because he learns from them. For a rookie to step into a starting role and play this well is rare, and he’s only going to get better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Battle’s emergence has addressed a long-standing need at safety, a position that has been a revolving door of players in recent years. His play has given the Bengals stability in the secondary and has made their defense more versatile, allowing Anarumo to run more complex coverages.

A final standout contributing to the Bengals’ defensive success is fourth-year linebacker Logan Wilson, who has elevated his game to become the team’s defensive leader. Wilson, who has always been a solid tackler, has added more playmaking to his resume this season: he has 95 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, and is the only linebacker in the NFL this year with at least 4 interceptions and 2 sacks. His most memorable play came in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he intercepted a pass from Kenny Pickett and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to give the Bengals a 21-14 lead in a game they would go on to win 28-21. “Logan is the glue that holds our defense together,” said Anarumo. “He’s our signal-caller on the field, making sure everyone is in the right place, and he’s always around the ball. He’s the kind of player who makes big plays when we need them most, and his leadership in the locker room is invaluable.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson’s development into a elite linebacker has been a game-changer. He’s the kind of player who can take over a game on defense, and his presence has made the entire unit more confident and cohesive.

Wrapping up Defensive Standouts Continue to Emerge for the Cincinnati Bengals is the broader impact of this defensive resurgence on the team’s overall success. In the past, the Bengals have relied on their offense to carry them through tough games—but this year, the defense has been just as important, with standouts like Murphy, Taylor-Britt, Reader, Battle, and Wilson providing crucial stops and turnovers that have turned losses into wins. Through 12 games, the Bengals have a 9-3 record, and their defense ranks 8th in the NFL in points allowed (19.2 per game) and 10th in turnovers forced (21). This defensive success has also taken pressure off the offense, allowing Burrow and company to play more relaxed and avoid costly mistakes. “Having a strong defense changes everything,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “It gives our offense confidence knowing that if they put points on the board, our defense can hold the lead. These standouts have stepped up in a big way, and they’re the reason we’re in contention for a division title and a deep playoff run.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the emergence of these defensive standouts isn’t just a one-year fluke—it’s a sign that the team is building a complete, balanced roster that can compete with the best teams in the NFL for years to come. As the playoffs approach, the Bengals’ defense will be tested—but with so many standouts leading the way, they’re more than ready for the challenge.