The Cincinnati Bengals defense had a tough season in 2023, ranking 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo faced a challenge in improving the defense to the level that had helped them succeed in previous seasons. Despite adding players like Geno Stone and Sheldon Rankins, there are concerns about replacing the run-stuffing ability of former player DJ Reader.
Returning veterans like Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Cam Taylor-Britt are expected to play key roles in improving the defense. However, according to a recent Sports Illustrated article ranking defensive triplets, the trio of Hendrickson, Wilson, and Taylor-Britt was ranked 25th in the league. Despite this, there is optimism surrounding these players’ potential impact on the team’s performance.
The Bengals defense struggled last season, giving up a high number of yards. However, they were able to tighten up in the red zone and prevent teams from scoring touchdowns. The defense allowed an average of 22.6 points per game, ranking 21st in the league. This performance suggests that the defense has the ability to prevent opponents from reaching the end zone.
With the experience and talent of players like Hendrickson, Wilson, and Taylor-Britt, there is hope that the Bengals defense can improve their performance in the upcoming season. The potential for a breakout season from young players like Taylor-Britt could help motivate the defense to perform at a higher level and overcome the challenges they faced in the previous season.