Bengals flail in the cellar of defensive projections...for now

There's a newfound hope for the Cincinnati Bengals that the defense will be improved enough in 2025 that Joe Burrow's offense can at least carry it kicking and screaming to the playoffs, if necessary.
But when zooming out and looking at the moves the team made this offseason and how it all might come together, outsiders don't necessarily agree.
Advertisement
One prominent example is Kyle Soppe of Pro Football Network, who still ranks the unit 28th overall in offseason projections:
'Remember in 2022 when this looked like a franchise with balance and staying power? They were our 11th-best defense that season and trending toward the elite tier of the conference, but with 27th and 28th Defense+ finishes since, Cincinnati has looked more like a one-trick pony over the past two years than a legitimate threat to the top tier of the AFC.'
RELATED: Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route
It's an earned rank, for now. The Bengals swapped out coordinator Lou Anarumo for Al Golden and will go with a sweeping youth movement across the unit.
Advertisement
Out are mainstays like Sam Hubbard, Mike Hilton and Germaine Pratt. In are rookies, including linebacker Demetrius Knight likely starting next to Logan Wilson. The team is content to roll with Jordan Battle and Geno Stone at safety again. And when it comes to pass rush, Trey Hendrickson is holding out, so is first-rounder Shemar Stewart and former first-rounder Myles Murphy remains a question mark. So does most of a boom-or-bust cornerback room.
While just good enough isn't an admirable thing to shoot for, the Bengals hope that's what they can do. Ideally, that would mean ranking above the 28th spot.
RELATED: Bengals standouts after mandatory minicamp includes surprises
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals flail in the cellar of defensive projections...for now

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

USA Today

14 minutes ago

• USA Today

Which new Bears veteran will make the biggest impact in 2025?

The Chicago Bears welcomed plenty of new faces to the roster this offseason, be it through free agency, trade or the NFL draft in new head coach Ben Johnson's first season. There were some key veteran additions made by general manager Ryan Poles, including the acquisitions of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and guard Jonah Jackson via trade, as well as center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency. With that in mind, our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts on which veteran newcomer is poised to have the biggest impact in 2025, and there are no shortage of options. Alyssa Barbieri: LG Joe Thuney The Bears made several impactful additions this offseason, most notably along the offensive line with guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as center Drew Dalman. But when looking at those newcomers, Thuney has the potential to have the biggest impact given his resume and proven production. He's coming off an All-Pro season where he even kicked out to left tackle, but he thrived at left guard protecting Patrick Mahomes. Now, Thuney brings that experience, production and leadership to a revamped Chicago offensive line that will be crucial to quarterback Caleb Williams' success. And if rookie Ozzy Trapilo wins the starting left tackle job, Thuney will be even more crucial for Trapilo as he acclimates to the pro game. When push comes to shove, the Bears will only go as far as Williams takes them. And Williams will only go as far as his offensive line allows. Brendan Sugrue: DT Grady Jarrett With how much the Bears have retooled their offensive and defensive lines, there isn't a wrong answer to this question. Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson should all have a big impact on the offensive line this year. But I'm going with Grady Jarrett, who provides much-needed leadership for the defensive front. Jarrett may be on the downswing of his career, but having a full year removed from his torn ACL should allow for a bounce-back season, even though his 2024 campaign was solid. His 30 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss would have led all Bears defensive interior linemen last year. Jarrett still has enough left in the tank, and his presence should elevate the rest of the defensive line. Outside of his performance on the field, Jarrett is a true leader in the locker room, something the Bears were missing on the defensive line last year. His ability to lead and take young players such as Gervon Dexter and Shemar Turner under his wing shouldn't go unnoticed. Jarrett is someone who can provide a spark on and off the field that the Bears haven't seen from the position since Akiem Hicks. Mike Pendleton: LG Joe Thuney Protecting Caleb Williams is of the utmost importance, but more than that, Thuney is the most accomplished veteran the Bears acquired this offseason. While getting the offensive line performance to be better than the disaster they were last year will be a big key, but being able to establish a relationship with Caleb Williams and teach him along the way could be critical for the offense. Thuney also provides veteran leadership, multiple Super Bowl championships, and experience that is hard to match in the NFL. His talent is undeniable, but so is his leadership, and he should quickly help establish a winning attitude and positive culture inside the locker room. Ben Johnson and the offensive coaching staff may get all the attention for their work with Caleb Williams, but Joe Thuney could be one of the biggest mentors for the young quarterback looking to take the next step in his career. Vincent Parise: C Drew Dalman Developing Caleb Williams in Year 2 is the most important thing for the Chicago Bears. That is why their offensive line getting some upgrades was the biggest need of the offseason. For that reason, you could have chosen any of Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson or Joe Thuney as the veteran addition who will make the most impact. Drew Dalman gets the tiebreaker for being a center. It's been a very long time since Chicago has had a good center, and Dalman would love to change that narrative. Being the guy who directly hands the ball to Williams and plays a key role in protecting him, it is easy to understand his importance. If Dalman stays healthy and plays the style that earned him the contract, the Bears will see a major upgrade from what they've had. Having a great center will stabilize the line as a whole, which already looks much better than it's been. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Yahoo

18 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Commanders' 2nd-Round Pick Earns Offseason Rookie Honor

Commanders' 2nd-Round Pick Earns Offseason Rookie Honor originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders addressed some subpar play in the secondary last season with the selection of Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos in the second round of this year's NFL Draft. Advertisement Amos is expected to eventually play opposite Marshon Lattimore (if he's ever healthy) on the outside while Mike Sainstril and Jonathan Jones handle inside duties. The 6-1, 190-pounder also gives the Commanders some much-needed size at the position. That's part of the reason Gennaro Filice thinks Amos fits perfectly into his All-Rookie team ahead of the 2025 season. "Atrocious cornerback play last September forced Washington to move rookie Mike Sainristil outside, and he acquitted himself quite well, but the scrappy 5-foot-9 playmaker is likely still at his best in the nickel role," Filice wrote. "So, who can fill the CB slot opposite Marshon Lattimore? The Commanders signed veteran Jonathan Jones, who offers inside/outside ability, but Amos sure has the look of a Dan Quinn corner. Washington was thrilled when he was still available late in the second round, and no wonder: The big, physical CB displayed enticing press-man ability last season in the SEC, earning first-team all-conference honors. Advertisement "Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. undoubtedly appreciates Amos' ball production (SEE: 3 INTs and 13 PBUs in 2024), having spent much of last season begging for takeaways." Although that's the ultimate goal, Amos doesn't have to be a starter right away. Lattimore will hopefully be healthy and Washington brought in Jones this offseason. With both Jones and Sainstrill suited better to play inside, Amos is expected to fulfill that starting job. When he's ready, hopefully sooner than later. Related: NFL Legend Adrian Peterson Poker Game Fight Video Going Viral Related: Commanders' Brian Robinson Ready For 'Big' Contract Year This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

NBC Sports

19 minutes ago

• NBC Sports

Sunday Ticket's move to YouTube helped NFL reach a younger audience, YouTube CEO says

When YouTube became a major NFL TV partner with its acquisition of the Sunday Ticket rights, it did more than just make Sunday Ticket more convenient for viewers who couldn't get DirecTV. It also opened the NFL up to younger viewers. That's the word from YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, who said the company 'aged down' the NFL's audience, according to Sports Business Journal. Mohan told that the NFL's partnership with YouTube allows NFL games to 'live alongside all of this other amazing creator-first sports content,' which a younger audience goes to YouTube to see. Sunday Ticket is an expensive subscription, so few people would buy it without already being big NFL fans. But Mohan said that when YouTube shows the Week One Chiefs-Chargers game in Brazil on September 5 for free to the whole world, it will be a major step toward helping the league attract a significant new audience — and a significantly younger audience.