The Cincinnati Bengals offense may get the attention, but it was the defense that really stepped up in the postseason. They held opponents to just 20.5 points per game in four playoff games, including a mere 7.3 points in the second half/overtime.
The biggest reason for Cincinnati’s defensive resurgence after being a bottom-10 unit in 2020 was how much the defensive line improved, specifically the pass rush.
After finishing with a league-low 17 sacks in 2020, the Bengals made several major additions along the defensive line, including Trey Hendrickson, who had a career-high 14 sacks and proved to be one of the best free agent signings any team made in the 2021 offseason.