Sports 28 October 2025

Matt’s Take: Developing defensive players continues to be a problem for the Bengals

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By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

39 points to the Jets? The Jets? Come on, man.

I sat there in disbelief at what I just saw Sunday; but really, we should all expect it at this point. When scoring 38-plus points, the Bengals are 1-3 in the last two seasons. If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about this defense, I don’t know what to tell you. 

Prior to that, in the last 56 seasons, the Bengals were 54-4 when scoring this amount of points. The defense, play calling, schemes, lack of pressure, and no longer having magical Lou has exposed Duke Tobin and these players more than ever. Luckily, the offensive line is clicking, the run game is gaining momentum, and Joe Flacco is still spinnin’ it quite well. 

Random comments and facts

The Bengals have allowed 27 or more points in seven straight games. WOOF!

The Bengals are the 32nd-ranked defense, with the Steelers at 30th (highest paid in the NFL), and Ravens the 28th. What happened to the once-proud AFC North defenses? 

Samaje Perine has been a pleasant surprise this season. He’s been a great backup and does the little things right. 

Need to get in field goal range, and the Bengals run a halfback draw on 2nd and 10? Only Zac. 

38-24 with 10:21 to go and the ball. How on Earth did Cincinnati lose that game? 

Second to last drive and needing to burn the clock with the lead – incomplete pass, incomplete Pass, sack, punt. This lost the game.  

Beat the Bears this week or this season is over and you might as well not rush Burrow to get back. 

Trading Hendrickson, Wilson, and others might be the best idea.  

Remaining schedule: Bears, Steelers, Patriots, Ravens, Bills, Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals, Browns. I think the magic number might be 9 this season with how bad the AFC is. Can Cincinnati win 6 of these games? Sure they can, but if they lose to the Bears, I think this season is over.  

Iosivas, it’s time for a new hobby, my friend. Tinsley, Burton, or make a trade, but someone else has to take his spot. He can’t catch, and his drops factored into the loss on Sunday.  
 

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