In 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense ranked at the bottom of the league in almost every category that matters. Can the Cincinnati Bengals become a top-10 defense? Or are they headed for another mediocre season? The Bengals finished the 2023-24 season ranked 20th for fantasy (Sleeper) averaging 7.5 points. Currently the 28th ranked defense on Sleeper. Could they surpass their 2023 season, or will they fall flat?
Cincinnati Bengals Defense: 2023 Season Ranks
The Bengals defense ranked 31st of 32 teams in yds/game allowing 364.6 yds/game. They allowed a total of 6,368 total yards according to ESPN. The Bengals ranked 28th in passing yards allowed per game at 248.4 yards per game, giving up 4,223 passing yards total. In 2023, the Bengals defense allowed 126.2 yards rushing per game, for a total of 2,145 rushing yards, ranking 26th of 32 teams.
Cincinnati got to opposing quarterbacks 44 times, good enough for 19th of 32 teams. They also finished the season with 17 INTs and 9 fumble recoveries for a total of 26 turnovers. This number had them finish 12th in total turnovers.
Key Departures
The end of the 2023-24 season saw several defensive starters move to new teams.
- D.J. Reader, the run-stopper for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past few seasons. A force to be reckoned with on the interior of the defensive line, Reader signed a 2-year contract worth 27.25 million dollars with the Detroit Lions
- Chidobe Awuzie signed a 3-year contract worth up to 25.5 million dollars with 17.5 million dollars guaranteed. Awuzie started at CB for the Bengals in 10 games in 2023, according to ESPN.
- Nick Scott who started at safety in 10 games. He made appearances in all 17 games in 2023 for Cincinnati signed a contract with The Carolina Panthers.
Key Additions
The 2024 free agency saw the Bengals add some great pieces to their defense.
- Sheldon Rankins is an interior pass rusher from the Houston Texans. Finished 2023-24 with 6 sacks (3 against Cincinnati). This move should boost their ability to get to the opposing team’s quarterback.
- Vonn Bell, the savvy veteran in his second stint with the Bengals, looks to add the poise and communication the secondary lacked in 2023.
- Geno Stone, fresh off the best season of his career in which he finished second in the entire league in interceptions. A natural ball hawk, with tons of range.
Having added multiple pieces to the secondary and defensive line through free agency and the draft, the Cincinnati Bengals defense should bounce back under defensive coordinator Lou Anaroumo. With a defensive line anchored by Trey Hendrickson, a dynamic line backer tandem, and a revamped secondary; expect a much better performance on all levels.
Final thoughts
Lou Anarumo, as defensive coordinator, makes the decision to say the Bengals will have a bounce-back season an easy one. Most believe Anarumo to be a top-10 defensive coordinator. They are currently slotted as the 28th defense on sleeper. With the pieces they added this offseason and their 16th-ranked strength of schedule, the Cincinnati Bengals could quickly become one of the best defenses to have stashed on your roster.
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