Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals

After a sluggish start on defense, the Cincinnati Bengals have turned heads with notable improvements in recent matchups. A unit once struggling to stop high-powered offenses has evolved into a disciplined, playmaking group, cutting opponent scoring and boosting turnovers—key shifts that have fueled their playoff push. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down the changes driving this turnaround, the players leading it, and how it reshapes the Bengals’ title hopes.

One of the clearest improvements is the Bengals’ ability to limit scoring and rushing yards. In the first eight games, they allowed 24.5 points and 120 rushing yards per game (bottom-half NFL ranks). Over the last six, those numbers dropped to 17.8 points and 85 rushing yards per game, moving them into the top 15. Improved run defense, led by defensive tackle D.J. Reader, has been critical. Against the Steelers in Week 16, they held Najee Harris to 47 yards (well below his 72-yard average), with Reader plugging gaps and forcing direction changes. “We’re attacking gaps, not reacting,” Reader said. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes this run-stopping focus has forced opponents into more passing situations, where the secondary can exploit weaknesses.

Increased turnovers have also fueled the resurgence. The Bengals forced just 10 turnovers (1.25 per game) in the first half of the season; over the last six, they’ve forced 12 (8 interceptions, 4 fumbles), including two pick-sixes. Safety Dax Hill has stood out with three interceptions in four games, including a game-sealing pick vs. the Ravens. “We study opponent tendencies to position for plays,” Hill explained. The pass rush, led by Trey Hendrickson (4 sacks in five games), has added pressure, forcing hurried throws. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals highlights this pass rush-secondary combo has turned the defense from a liability to a strength.

A key driver of the Cincinnati Bengals’ improvement is defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme tweaks. Early on, a base 4-3 left them vulnerable to spread offenses; now, they use more nickel/dime packages (extra defensive backs) to counter passing attacks. Against the Chiefs in Week 12, 70% of snaps were nickel, limiting Travis Kelce to 5 catches for 48 yards (well below his 7-catch, 85-yard average). Anarumo has also cut penalties: from 6.5 per game (first eight) to 3.8 (last six). “Penalties extend drives—we had to eliminate that,” he said. For the Cincinnati Bengals, these schematic and disciplinary changes have built confidence and consistency. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals shows this adaptability has been a major catalyst.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ depth has also kept defense steady amid injuries. When linebacker Logan Wilson missed three games, backup Jalen Reeves-Maybin stepped in with 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and an interception, handling run and pass duties. When cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was sidelined, Mike Hilton shifted to outside corner, limiting receivers to a 52tch rate. “Our depth is a secret weapon,” head coach Zac Taylor said. The front office’s offseason investment in backup talent is paying off, letting the Bengals maintain momentum even with key absences. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals underscores this depth has been critical to sustaining success.

Opponents have adjusted to the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense—and the Bengals have stayed ahead. Teams have used quick passes/screens to avoid the pass rush, but the Bengals have countered by playing linebackers/DBs closer to the line. Against the Texans in Week 14, they sniffed out 8 of 12 screen passes, with 6 resulting in negative yards or no gain. “We anticipate, not just react,” said defensive tackle B.J. Hill. This adaptability has made the defense harder to game-plan for, and shorter defensive possessions have given the offense 3.5 more opportunities per game (vs. the first eight weeks), boosting scoring. Defensive Improvements Noted in Recent Games by the Cincinnati Bengals concludes this resurgence has turned defense into a strength, giving the Bengals the balance to compete with NFL elites. As playoffs approach, this improvement could be the key to a deep run.