The Cincinnati Bengals are set to kick off AFC North play in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dexter Lawrence, Johnathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook are a few of the new additions that have stepped in and made a jaw-dropping impact on a defense that was unwatchable in 2025.
The Bengals defense has been lights out through the first two weeks, but all the new faces will be getting a taste of AFC North football for the first time on Sunday.
Cook, who grew up in Mount Healthy and played college
football at Cincinnati, was asked about the upcoming showdown with the Steelers, and he delivered one of my favorite quotes of all time from a Bengals player.
“Being a fan, being a kid growing up, you hear the stories, you can see it on the field. Now, I’m actually in the fight. It’s a gift and an honor, but I’m ready to get to work and see it for myself. Since I was a kid, I’m from Cincy, and my jersey says Cincinnati on it. So every game is personal a little bit, but this game definitely has a little more juice to it,” said Cook.
The former Bearcats standout is clearly the perfect culture fit for this locker room, and that quote alone should have every Bengals fan ready to run through a brick wall.
The Bengals have the opportunity to start 3-0 on Sunday but will need to take care of business against one of their biggest rivals and a team that is searching for a big win.
