The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense finally seems to be making Joe Burrow’s life easier. The franchise made major roster changes during the offseason after years of relying on the offense to win games. The front office could not be happier with the revamped unit after the first two games.
NFL analyst Kirk Herbstreit also heaped praise on Cincinnati’s defense during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday.
“I think there’s a swag right now in the defense,” Herbstreit said. “I think it’s a team that actually shows up now with confidence on that side of the ball. And think about the guys, not just Dexter Lawrence, but I think Jonathan Allen brings that. Myles Murphy is starting to play like the first-round pick that they picked up.”
“It’s no longer Burrow and company are going to have to outscore their opponent. I think, right now, Al Golden, as a defensive coordinator, has a defense that’s attacking. Honestly, I haven’t seen the Bengals play like this.”
Herbstreit also pointed out that a couple of veteran additions have helped the entire team improve. The Bengals have flipped the script under new defensive coordinator Al Golden. In Week 1, the defense forced four turnovers against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a 33-27 win at Paycor Stadium.
The defense followed that with an even stronger showing in Week 2. The Bengals held the Texans out of the end zone in a 20-6 win in Houston. Cincinnati allowed just two field goals and did a brilliant job against Houston’s running game.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Overhaul This Offseason
The Bengals addressed their poor defensive line, which ranked 31st in total defense and 32nd against the run in 2025, by trading the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants in April for Dexter Lawrence. They also gave him a one-year, $28 million extension through 2028.
The move has worked wonders in the first two games. With Lawrence drawing double teams, Murphy is getting clean one-on-one angles.
The Bengals signed Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal and Allen to a two-year, $26 million contract worth up to $28 million. They also added Bryan Cook on a three-year, $40.25 million deal, while Kyle Dugger and Ja’Sir Taylor signed one-year contracts. Cincinnati used its second-round pick on Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell.
Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase give the Bengals plenty of firepower on offense. But a defense that can win close, low-scoring games could make a big difference in the AFC playoff race.
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