If the Bengals didn’t have a high powered offense that can score on any team in the league you would almost have to wonder if Cincinnati would have won any games this season. Of the 32 total NFL teams, the Bengals rank 27th amongst all. For a team that has been to two of the past three AFC Championships, this is not a good standing.
This past weekend, the Bengals were able to soundly defeat the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Let’s not get overjoyed. The Titans are not setting the world on fire. Former Kentucky Wildcat star Wil Levis may as well have gift wrapped the game to the Bengals. It’s almost as if Levis was a Bengal, as he tossed three interceptions and was yanked out of the game for backup Mason Rudolph. For once, the Bengal defense created turnovers and enough stops to send themselves to a 37-27 victory and a 6-8 record.
A win is a win. All wins count the same, all losses go against you. Cincinnati defeated one of the NFL’s worst teams. No surprise. They absolutely should have left with the victory. If the team is going to go anywhere or do anything, they will have to do it without key defensive starters. Logan Wilson is already out for the remainder of the 2024 season with a knee injury. Starter Sheldon Rankins continues to be out of the lineup as well. The defense as a whole has underachieved all season and failed to stop opponents at key times. Even if Cincinnati does manage to sneak into the playoffs, which at this point is a long shot, the flaws of the defense could easily be exposed by the Kansas Citys, Buffalos, and Ravens of the world.
It wont be a major secret as to what the Bengals will need to shop for on the defensive side of the ball in the off season. Teams have gashed Cincy running the ball and passing in 2024. Yes, it’s truly nice to have a top three QB and receiver in the league. The Bengals have invested a ton of money in Joe Burrow. They are about to invest a ton of money in Ja’Maar Chase. They will likely make a market offer to Tee Higgins. But please. Somebody remind the person that passes out the dough for the Bengals that at some point you have to stop somebody from scoring. You need players. Good players. If the team doesn’t make signing some top defensive talent in the off season or hitting in the draft, this team will be right back where they were in 2024. Hoping and praying a combination happens so they get in the playoffs. Or worse…Totally out of contention.
Feature Image: File photo by Michael Mitchell