2023 Cincinnati Bengals Defense

The Bengals inched up to 7th in rushing yards allowed (1,706), with ball carriers gaining 4.2 yards per rush with 12 rushing touchdowns. Opponents averaged 25.4 rushes against them.

Their pass defense climbed to 16th in passing yards allowed (3,665) with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Their pass rush only managed 30 sacks (29th).

After delivering 27.5 combined sacks in 2020 and 2021 for the Saints and Bengals, DE Trey Hendrickson had a regression in his pass rush (8 sacks) and run defense while battling neck and wrist injuries. His best asset remains attacking the quarterback. DE Sam Hubbard showed growth in his rush attack over the past two seasons, but he still missed too many tackles. The addition of DE Myles Murphy and the potential improvement of DE Joseph Ossai should add depth to Cinci’s defensive line this year. The interior of their line lacks playmakers.

CB Cam Taylor-Britt held receivers to a low catch rate in his rookie season with minimal damage in scoring. He struggled in run support and created no turnovers. CB Chidobe Awuzie has been an excellent addition in coverage over the past two seasons, but he missed eight games last season with torn ACL. The safety position will be in flux after losing their veteran experience to free agency in the offseason.

The second level of Cincinnati’s defense offers minimal help in the pass rush. LB Logan Wilson continued to show growth in his third season, and LB Germaine Pratt has 90 sacks or more in back-to-back years.

I sense regression in this defense due to the questions at the safety position and questionable pass rush. The Bengals will have risk vs. the run up the middle out of the gate. Cincinnati is the 18th defense drafted in mid-May.