One of the biggest themes emerging as the Cincinnati Bengals enter training camp this summer isn’t about installing a new defensive scheme; it’s about making sure every talented player is put in the best position to succeed.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden said head coach Zac Taylor challenged every assistant coach before camp with a simple but important question: Are we getting the most out of our best players?
For Golden, that challenge carries particular significance. His defense struggled with consistency last season and was the main reason why the Bengals failed to make the playoffs for the third straight season. With eight new faces going into camp, this group now features a blend of proven veterans and intriguing young talent. Rather than forcing players into rigid roles, the emphasis is on discovering how each defender can make the greatest impact.
“Training camp is about how we come together as a collective, who emerges as leaders, where are the position battles, how do they play out,” Golden noted. “Take a deep breath and say, the guys with the most talent, are we using them accordingly, are we getting the most out of what they do best? That’s what we have to get done here in the next six weeks.”
Golden’s comments suggest that process will continue well beyond the preseason. The goal isn’t simply to identify the most talented players; it’s to make sure those players are consistently being used in ways that allow them to perform at the highest level.
For a defense looking to take a major step forward in 2026, that philosophy could prove just as important as any new blitz package or coverage adjustment.
The Bengals believe they have the talent. Now, the coaching staff must accept Taylor’s challenge to maximize it. And, as Golden made clear, that work starts now.
