The Cincinnati Bengals will have another chance to show their defense is improved as they take on a team that has struggled on offense.
The Bengals made a lot of changes during the offseason to their defense, but it was unclear at the start of the preseason if the unit was actually better or just different. There were glimpses in the preseason that this team had improved, but in a limited sample size, it was hard to say anything definitive. Now after two full games, some conclusions can start to be made about the team.
The biggest surprise has been how dominant the middle of the Bengals defensive line was against the Vikings and Bears. Through two games, this unit has been head and shoulders above what they were last year, and their ability to get penetration through the middle of the offensive line is a huge reason for that.
Against Pittsburgh, the Bengals have a chance to continue pushing forward and taking over on defense. The Steelers have relied heavily on their defense through the first two weeks and there is no reason to believe that will change this week, so this is a great opportunity for Cincinnati to have another great week on the defensive side of the ball and really limit what Big Ben can do.
If the Bengals can go three straight weeks playing solid defense, it might be safe to say this is an improved unit from top to bottom.