This is that type of “I am too busy to think of a name for my create a coach” type of graphic that comes up in video games. Poor Al Golden doesn’t even get credit of being a defensive coordinator. Well after his defense has games like they did this Sunday, people may start to remember.
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Bengals News
Bengals got exactly what they asked for from their major offseason moves in Week 1’s 33-27 win over Buccaneers
The Cincinnati Bengals set out to do one thing this offseason, and that was to inject some talent into this defense. If you just look at Week 1 it is pretty easy to say mission accomplished. While Dexter Lawrence — arguably the biggest acquisition — didn’t have a huge splash play, we saw just about everyone else get in on the action. EDGE Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook each had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen both had a sack on the day as well.
Postgame Quick Hits | Bengals Follow Zac Taylor’s Script and Ride New Defense And Old Situations To Opening Day Win
“They upgraded the personnel a lot. They were winning on some twists and just consistent, relentless effort,” Mayfield said. “It’s holding on to the ball too long, but those guys were running around the edge. It’s relentless effort and bringing in guys with high motors, and obviously talented guys.”
Mayfield fumbled three times on the day, but he felt pressure that no quarterback felt from this defense in 2025. Safe to say the change was noticeable to everyone.
Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: 49ers, Seahawks Bengals, Bills Rise as Packers, Patriots Implode
Just an early look at people eating a bit of crow about the Bengals after winning Week 1. Fans expected this kind of play, but you never truly know how it will translate until the season starts.
NFL News
2026 NFL season, Week 1: What We Learned from Sunday’s games
Burrow looked perfectly comfortable operating in offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher’s scheme, found plenty of profit when targeting tight end Mike Gesicki, enjoyed a quality day from running back Chase Brown and remembered he can always rely on Tee Higgins when he needs it most, converting the game-sealing first down on an 18-yard connection with Higgins. The traditionally slow-starting Bengals looked much better than they typically do in Week 1, which is a big win for Cincinnati.
The new offense certainly didn’t take flight early, but it effective on a situational level. Certainly something to build off of.
Notable injuries, news from Sunday’s Week 1 games: Ravens’ Zay Flowers exits with hamstring injury
Already some big inujuries. The biggest probably being Kyler Murray in his first quarter as a Vikings quarterback. Several fantasy owners may be out of luck with injuries to wide receivers Zay Flowers and Ladd McConkey.
Ravens RB Derrick Henry passes Marcus Allen for third on all-time rushing TD list
I hate that he is doing it with the Baltimore Ravens, but Henry deserves respect as one of the greats at this point. Just none of that in a way that would meaningfully help the Ravens win games is all I ask.
