The Cincinnati Bengals invested heavily into their defense over the offseason. They signed the likes of Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe in free agency, traded for Dexter Lawrence, and drafted Cashius Howell. But, has it really paid off?
Through five games, the Bengals' defense has been middle of the road with yards allowed, sitting 20th in the NFL. However, they are 14th in takeaways and sixth in sacks, which is a vast improvement from 2025.
But now that we're coming out of the BYE week, it's a good time to assess how each position group is performing and potential areas where the Bengals' front office could look to improve before the trade deadline.
Defensive End: B+
The real star of the show here is Boye Mafe, who is proving to be one of the best value pickups in free agency. The former Seahawks star has six solo tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery through five weeks.
If we were just grading Mafe, then we'd be looking at an A, but seeing as the depth behind him isn't perhaps as good as it could be, it bumps down the score a bit. Myles Murphy, has performed well, recording 1.5 sacks so far, and Cashius Howell is among the rookies getting the most pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Some more consistent play from those two, plus more from 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart, and this edge rusher group would be as good as it gets.
Defensive Tackle: A+
What can we say about the tackles apart from...excellent. Dexter Lawrence has completely changed this front, already recording three sacks and being one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. Jonathan Allen is proving to be a bargain pickup, with three sacks and a pass deflection.
As a duo, they're one of the best defensive tackle pairings in the league, and considering that T.J. Slaton and B.J. Hill are both serviceable starters, the depth is good too.
Linebacker: B-
The expectation at linebacker was fairly low heading into the season. Demetrius Knight Jr and Barrett Carter both struggled in their rookie season, however, things have taken a turn. Both have looked much more comfortable, and they're coming up with crucial defensive plays too.
Knight Jr was able to recover a fumble for a touchdown in Week 1 against the Buccaneers, and Carter produced a perfectly timed sack against the Dolphins in Week 5, all but icing the game.
However, despite their impressive development, alongside Carter and Knight, there is virtually nothing. The depth at linebacker is an issue, and any injury could really damage this group. But it's going well so far.
Cornerback: B+
The corner duo of DJ Turner and Dax Hill have impressed after both had good seasons last year. Turner hasn't been targeted as much this year, but that in itself shows just how good of an outside corner he is.
Hill on the other hand, has been targeted, and he's responded well. He's recorded a forced fumble and five passes defended, which is tied for 22nd in the NFL. All he's missing is an interception, and he'd be getting more plaudits.
Third-round draft pick Tacario Davis has also looked promising, potentially someone who can be a difference-maker in the secondary for several years to come. It's a good group, but not an elite one.
Safety: B+
Bryan Cook was added in free agency, and he's proven to be a good addition to this safety group. The missed tackle woes of last season, seem to be gone, and the turnovers are coming.
Cook has a forced fumble, whereas Jordan Battle has three interceptions, including two against the Dolphins, which is tied for the most in the NFL. Kyle Dugger and PJ Jules have been solid backups without being outstanding, so it's a modest B+ here, but really the two starters have impressed.
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