After having arguably the best offseason in history, the Cincinnati Bengals are primed for a big season.
But is this an all-or-nothing year for Cincinnati?
There were several key players who were outspoken about how the team needed to improve, though it was pretty obvious. The defense needed a lot of help, and that’s an understatement.
Advertisement
At the end of the season, many thought that star defender Trey Hendrickson would be franchise tagged or re-signed. No one thought he’d end up in a Ravens uniform, but that’s exactly what played out.
And thankfully, Cincinnnati actually made it work out.
The Bengals took an “Oh S*%#” moment and turned it into a “Wow” moment. They picked up hometown safety Bryan Cook, along with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Boye Mafe, the latter coming off a Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks.
The Bengals then made a blockbuster trade, giving the New York Giants a first-round pick in exchange for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This was the icing on the cake for fans and players. There were rumors flying around that idea the week prior, and most Bengals fans simply laughed at it, thinking not a chance. This move showed everyone the front office is fully on board with earning a flight to SoFi Stadium in February.
Advertisement
Once Sexy Dexy showed up, there was a change on the field and in the locker room. There has been nothing but pure excitement in the locker room and motivation on the field.
Longtime NFL analyst and Bengals fan Kay Adams reviewed the team’s moves and her feelings on the team entering this season.
As always, she’s not wrong. The Bengals have been given everything they have asked for. They upgraded their defense tenfold and even added some pieces on offense. They also brought back their entire offensive line, with some extra additions. They went from no depth and a few second-string starters to first-string starters and plenty of depth.
Advertisement
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also said he believes it could be the year for this Bengals squad.
I don’t have access to the locker room or different events or any of the on-field practices, but from watching clips and interviews, there is a different feeling with the team, as Kay mentioned. There aren’t many words to describe it, it’s just a feeling….a good feeling.
If you believe in the yearly NFL “script”, this is the perfect one. The Bengals made big moves to massively improve their defense, and the Rams just dropped a blockbuster trade, acquiring Myles Garrett. Not only does that help them, but it also helps the Bengals as they face the Browns twice per year.
Advertisement
Bengals vs. Rams at SoFi stadium….again. The phrase that went viral in ‘21 through the Queen City was “Why not us?” Well, it appears to be back on the menu in 2026. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but fans screamed last year that the defense had to improve. They don’t have to be perfect; they simply have to be average.
As bad as that sounds, it was an accurate statement, especially with a number of games coming down to the last possession with 40ish seconds to go, and everyone knew the outcome.
With all of the new acquisitions, average might be this defense’s floor. We may be in for a treat.
But at the end of the day, we can think, and pray, and believe all we want, but Kay is pretty accurate with her statement. “If you don’t win, it’s a failure…if you get back to SoFi, exercise that demon, and raise the damn trophy.”
