The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Cincinnati Bengals and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Cincinnati Bengals Defense
The Bengals were okay on a yardage per carry basis against the run last season, allowing 4.3 yards per carry to running backs (14th), but they allowed 16 rushing touchdowns to the position (26th) and 3.13 yards after contact per RB carry (24th).
B.J. Hill led the line last season, recording 8 run stuffs and 3 sacks.
Behind him is a bit murkier.
T.J. Slaton was added in free agency after four seasons with the Packers. He offers very little as a pass rusher and took a step back in terms of usage last season, but he was disruptive against the run in 2023.
A second-round pick last year, Kris Jenkins should compete with Slaton for snaps after a lackluster rookie season.
The Bengals did not bring a ton of pressure in 2024, finishing 24th in pressure rate (31.2%) and 25th in sacks (36).
The primary storyline in this unit is the contact situation with Trey Hendrickson.
He was easily the best pass rusher on the team last season, logging a league-leading 17.5 sacks with a 17.1% pressure rate, which ranked fifth among all qualified pass rushers.
Even if Hendrickson stays, the Bengals needed help on the edge, so it makes sense they added Shemar Stewart in the first round.
Of course, Stewart has contract concerns of his own, and it is no longer a given he will be on the roster Week 1.
The Bengals also still have 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy, but he has not established himself as a reliable option through two seasons.
Linebacker Logan Wilson appeared in just 11 games last season.
Cincy did add Oren Burks in free agency, but he has been more of a factor on special teams throughout his career.
Cincy addressed this concern by drafting Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round.
The Bengals allowed 7.0 yards per pass attempt in 2024 (14th), but they bled touchdowns through the air.
Cincy allowed 30 passing touchdowns (29th) and a 5.2% touchdown rate (26th).
The Bengals should get Dax Hill back given the early-October timing of his torn ACL, but he is coming back from a major injury.
Cam Taylor-Britt did manage to stay on the field last season, but he finished 110th among qualified corners in yards allowed per coverage snap.
A 2023 second-round pick, DJ Turner has allowed 9.5 yards per target through two seasons and missed the end of the season with a broken collarbone.
With no major additions, the Begnals will be relying on new DC Al Golden getting more out of this corner group in 2025.
Geno Stone led the safeties last season, but he took a big step back in his first year with the Bengals.
A 2023 third-round pick, Jordan Battle started the final six games last season but did not cover himself in glory.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
- Fantasy Football player profiles, predictions, and ranks
- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2025 games
- Coaching strategic advice for teams, play calling analysis & team tendencies
- Front Office Analysis positional spending, roster construction & cap analysis
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- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
- Rankings for every positional unit on every team with analysis
