Cincinnati Bengals – Defense

In a series of rare moves, the Bengals signed several defensive players to large contracts this offseason. The unit added D.J. Reader along the defensive line’s interior, elevating the front four to another level.

Cincinnati also brought in Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes from Minnesota. The team even reached a deal with safety Vonn Bell. From its outward appearance, Cincinnati’s defense got much better this offseason. However, the Bengals still lag behind their AFC North opponents.

The Ravens and Steelers both possess top-five defenses while the Browns feature a more talented unit. That’s not why Cincinnati’s defense is a weakness though. Cincinnati’s offense has so much potential that it completely outshines the defense.

Last year, Cincinnati’s defense allowed the fourth-most yards per game and gave up the eighth-most points. The Bengals should improve in both categories this year, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be enough to keep pace with the AFC North’s high-powered offenses.