Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals defense utilizes a 4-3 Hybrid base scheme under defensive coordinator Al Golden. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Cincinnati Bengals Defense?

The Cincinnati Bengals have been pretty bad this season, allowing over 28 points per game. To make matters worse, they are allowing 5.9 more points per game than the league average.

In the AFC North, they are currently trailing the Cleveland Browns (#14), Pittsburgh Steelers (#17) and Baltimore Ravens (#18) in scoring defense.

Creating havoc has been a major issue, as they rarely disrupt the opponent's backfield. They've been opportunistic, capitalizing on opponent mistakes to generate a healthy number of takeaways.

34
Total Sacks
13
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (13 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Their success in 2025 is primarily because of the defensive play of Demetrius Knight Jr., who has been a standout performer, contributing 106 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Additionally, Geno Stone has been a strong contributor with 104 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions, adding depth to the unit.

What is the Cincinnati Bengals defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Al Golden

The Cincinnati Bengals defense runs a 4-3 Hybrid under coordinator Al Golden.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Hybrid
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Al Golden takes over, expected to maintain a flexible front but likely leaning into more traditional linebacker usage than the previous regime.

Key Principles

FlexibilityLinebacker PlayDisguise

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Cincinnati Bengals Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
8.4/g
Turnovers
GOOD
1.4/g
Aggression
POOR
3.3/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
8.4
POOR
They disrupt the offense 8.4 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.4
GOOD
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.4 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
3.3
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 3.3 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Cincinnati Bengals defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
28.9 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Cincinnati Bengals defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Josh Newton
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Joseph Ossai
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
DJ Turner II
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Brian Asamoah II
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 1
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Trey Hendrickson
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 11
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Kris Jenkins Jr.
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 19
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Cam Taylor-Britt
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 21
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Marco Wilson
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 26
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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