The Cincinnati Bengals run defense in 2020 was abysmal. They allowed just over five rushing yards an attempt to opposing offenses, which was the second worst. The Houston Texans were the only team that did worse.
In 2022. However, the Bengals were in the middle of the league among yards per carry, but they allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards in the entire NFL.
It is hard to credit one player with that change, but after the 2019 season, the Bengals went out and paid D.J. Reader to play nose tackle for one of the worst rushing defense in NFL history.