Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the NFL, a team’s true strength is revealed not when its stars are healthy, but when they’re sidelined—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, the 2024 season has put their defensive depth to the ultimate test. Key injuries to Pro Bowl linebacker Logan Wilson (knee), defensive end Trey Hendrickson (pelvis), and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) left gaping holes in a unit that anchored the Bengals’ 2021 Super Bowl run. Many analysts predicted a collapse: without their top playmakers, how could the defense slow down AFC powerhouses like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills? But instead of crumbling, the Bengals’ backups and rookies stepped up, turning doubt into dominance. From rookie linebacker Jaxson Kirkland’s clutch interceptions to backup defensive end Myles Murphy’s unexpected sacks, the defense has held firm—proving that depth, not just star power, is the backbone of their success. Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how the unit has overcome adversity, the unsung heroes driving its resilience, and why this depth could be the Bengals’ secret weapon in the playoff race.

Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the moment the depth was first put to the test: Wilson’s Week 9 knee injury against the Houston Texans. Wilson, the defense’s signal-caller and leading tackler (78 tackles through 8 games), was carted off the field in the third quarter, leaving a void in both leadership and production. Enter Kirkland, a fourth-round rookie who had played just 12 defensive snaps all season. Instead of freezing under pressure, Kirkland stepped into Wilson’s role, calling plays for the linebackers and finishing the game with 6 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter stop that forced a Texans punt. “I’d been preparing for this moment every day in practice,” Kirkland said after the game. “Coach [Lou] Anarumo always says, ‘Be ready when your number is called’—and I was.” Kirkland’s performance wasn’t a fluke: over the next four games, he tallied 28 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a sack, earning AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for November. His emergence wasn’t just a win for Kirkland—it was a win for the Bengals’ scouting and development team, which had invested in depth at linebacker precisely for moments like this.

Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the defensive line, where Hendrickson’s pelvic strain forced the Bengals to rely on a rotation of unproven players. Hendrickson, who had 8 sacks in the first half of the season, was sidelined for three games—and in his absence, Murphy, a 2023 first-round pick who had struggled for playing time, finally found his rhythm. Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, Murphy recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble, including a third-down sack that ended a Browns’ potential game-tying drive. He followed that up with 1.5 sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers the next week, using his 6’5” frame to overpower offensive tackles and disrupt quarterbacks. “Myles has been waiting for this opportunity, and he’s made the most of it,” said defensive line coach Marion Hobby. “He’s been working on his hand placement and pass-rush moves every day in practice—now we’re seeing the results.” The Bengals also got contributions from veteran backup Sam Hubbard, who shifted from defensive end to tackle to fill another gap, and undrafted free agent Jeff Gunter, who recorded his first career sack against the Bills. This rotation kept opposing offensive lines off-balance, with no single player able to adjust to the Bengals’ changing looks.

Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s strategic adjustments have maximized the team’s depth, turning limitations into advantages. Without Taylor-Britt, Anarumo shifted to a more zone-heavy coverage scheme, using safeties Jessie Bates III and Dax Hill to cover slot receivers and allowing backup cornerbacks DJ Turner II and Mike Hilton to focus on outside receivers. Against the Ravens, this scheme worked perfectly: the Bengals held Lamar Jackson to just 180 passing yards and intercepted him twice, with Turner making a diving interception in the end zone to stop a Ravens’ scoring drive. Anarumo also increased the use of blitzes from linebackers and safeties, compensating for the lack of a dominant pass-rusher by sending more players at the quarterback. “When you lose key players, you don’t just plug someone in—you adjust your scheme to fit their strengths,” Anarumo explained. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this flexibility has been critical. Instead of forcing backups to play like stars, Anarumo has designed plays that let them play to their own skills—whether it’s Kirkland’s ability to read plays quickly or Murphy’s strength in run defense. This approach has kept the defense consistent, even as the lineup changes.

Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how the defense’s resilience has lifted the entire team, giving the offense confidence to take risks. In Week 11 against the Ravens, the Bengals’ defense forced three turnovers, including a fumble recovery that set up the offense at the Ravens’ 20-yard line—leading to a Joe Burrow touchdown pass. Later in the game, with the Bengals trailing by 3, the defense held the Ravens to a three-and-out, giving the offense one last chance to win. Burrow capitalized, leading a 90-yard drive that ended with a Tee Higgins touchdown. “When the defense is playing like this, it takes pressure off the offense,” Burrow said after the game. “We know if we can put points on the board, the defense will hold them off. That’s a luxury not many teams have.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this synergy between offense and defense has been a key to their recent winning streak. The defense’s ability to hold firm despite injuries has given the offense the freedom to be aggressive, knowing that one touchdown could be enough to win. This confidence has turned close games into victories, keeping the Bengals in the thick of the AFC North race.

Defensive Depth Tested But Holds Firm for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term impact of this depth on the Bengals’ future—and why it could be the key to a Super Bowl run. Unlike teams that rely on a handful of stars, the Bengals have built a defense where every player, from starters to backups, is ready to contribute. This depth was years in the making: the front office prioritized drafting defensive players in early rounds, signed versatile veterans to backup roles, and invested in a coaching staff that knows how to develop young talent. As the Bengals head into the playoffs, this depth gives them an edge: while other teams may be worn down by injuries, the Bengals have players who are fresh and ready to step up. “This is what we’ve been building toward,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “A team that can win not just when everything goes right, but when things go wrong. Our defense has shown that they’re tough, resilient, and ready to compete with anyone.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the tested but unbroken defensive depth isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a story of strength. It’s proof that a team is more than its stars, and that with the right preparation, trust, and strategy, even adversity can be turned into an advantage. As the playoffs approach, the Bengals’ defense is ready to prove that their depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s their greatest weapon.