The Cincinnati Bengals are 1-0, and they seem to have at least somewhat improved their defense in real ways this past offseason.
That wasn’t enough for them to crack the top 10 quite yet for most NFL analysts, but they are moving up.
Here is the roundup of power rankings from around the NFL content world.
Yahoo! Sports — No. 12 ↑3
“The Bengals’ defense looked better. The Bucs’ offense scored just 20 points and had fewer than 300 yards… Cincinnati isn’t going to be great on defense, but there have been some good teams to live
off having a great offense and a defense that takes chances and makes a few game-changing plays.” – Frank Schwab
ESPN — No. 15 ↑1
“[Boye] Mafe showed why he was Cincinnati’s first big free-agent signing with a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery against Tampa Bay… He led all Bengals defensive linemen with 37 snaps… According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he tied rookie edge rusher Cashius Howell with a team-high four pressures.” – Ben Baby
NFL.com — No. 4 ↑3
“The Bengals’ offseason defensive investments paid off in their first assignment against the Buccaneers, as Cincinnati forced four turnovers — including three Baker Mayfield fumbles — and cashed in one for a defensive score. Sure, the Bengals didn’t force a punt, but the blend of aggressive, difference-making defense and respectable offensive production was refreshing for a fan base accustomed to hoping its team can outscore opponents.” – Nick Shook
USA Today — No. 8
“Could the notoriously slow starters get out of the gate 2-0 for the second straight season … for all the good it did them last year, when dropped 11 of their final 15? But Sunday’s defensive effort should sow hope for the Stripes amid their modest offensive debut.” – Nate Davis
CBS Sports — No. 8 (no change)
“The defense looked improved against the Bengals, forcing three turnovers and one being returned for a touchdown. That’s progress.” – Pete Prisco
Sports Illustrated — No. 13 ↓6
“I love how this account was attempting to make fun of Dexter Lawrence without recognizing how dominant he can be. Lawrence was one of the best defensive tackles in true pass-rush sets throughout the entire weekend. A major upgrade for Cincinnati.” – Conor Orr
Sporting News — No. 11 ↑1
“The Bengals are notorious for slow starts with Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor, so it was a good change for them to hold off the Buccaneers more so with defense and the running game… Cincinnati has become a more dangerous all-around team and can make a much bigger statement in Houston in Week 2.” – Vinnie Iyer
Pro Football Talk — No. 7 ↑4
“In past years, they would have fully blown a 27-10 lead.” – Mike Florio
New York Post — No. 12
The author, Ryan Dunleavy, did not provide a blurb for the Bengals.
We talked about the Bengals’ Week 1 win and how they match up with the Houston Texans in our show below.
