The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2024 season with high aspirations. Anything short of the Super Bowl would be a disappointment.
Well, here we are, disappointed. To say the least.
And the biggest reason for that disappointment was an underachieving defense that couldn’t stop anyone when it mattered most. The Bengals finished ranked 21st in pass defense, 19th in rush defense, and 23rd in third-down defense. They were 25th in scoring defense and 30th in red-zone defense.
While Cincinnati struggled on the back end, its biggest area of need comes along the defensive line.