As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, we exchanged questions with Anthony Cosenza of Cincy Jungleto learn more about the opposing side.
Question 1: Excluding QB and WR, which Bengals position group gives you the most confidence? Excluding LB, which unit worries you most?
Oddly enough, given the resources thrown at the position, defensive tackle has become a strength once again. The trade for Dexter Lawrence and the acquisition of Jonathan Allen have reverberated
through the team on a number of levels. Aside from the rest of the team sensing the “all-in” mentality from a hyper-aggressive offseason (at least by this team’s standards), these two have brought locker room leadership and on-field production. Last year’s IDL starters, T.J. Slaton Jr. and B.J. Hill (both still good players), are now rotational guys, which makes this front formidable, as it was back in 2021 when they had Hill, DJ Reader, Larry Ogunjobi and others on the inside.
Many on the outside looking in will readily point to the offensive line as a concern, but this is a solid (albeit flawed) unit. For this week in particular, I’m concerned about the safety position. Free agent acquisition Bryan Cook is nursing an injury, while hybrid guy Kyle Dugger is ailing as well. If it’s PJ Jules and Jordan Battle as the main safeties this week, play Trevor Lawrence in your fantasy league.
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Question 2: How has the offseason addition of Dexter Lawrence changed Cincinnati’s defense?
He’s brought work ethic, increased accountability, and a “have fun playing ball” mentality. He’s also backed it up on the field.
While he wasn’t heavily in the stat column in Weeks 1 and 2, he showed up in a big way, statistically speaking. He freed up others to make plays–particularly in the two wins. His size, and overall ability to impact the pass and run game can’t be denied.
Lawrence hovers around 60% of defensive snaps taken through the first three games, but he is incredibly effective, and has allowed Al Golden to unleash a potent rotation. Running up the middle has been largely stymied, but space plays have still hurt the Bengals (your comments about the linebackers).
Question 3: What have you learned about the 2026 Bengals through three weeks that you wouldn’t have guessed before the season?
I’ve learned that this team has urgency, but similar flaws to what we’ve seen from late 2023 through 2025. Additional talent, leadership, and Championship mindsets have been added to this roster.
But, I think it’s unknown if this team can get beyond the 9-10-win threshold that we have seen from seasons in which Joe Burrow is healthy. The 2-0 start revved a lot of people up, but a frustratingly familiar loss to the AFC North bullies, the Pittsburgh Steelers, brought up more questions.
Can they beat the teams outside of the division with some sort of regularity? Sure. Can they get 4-5 wins in the AFC North and get through the gauntlet of the playoffs? I think most people want more to be seen.
Question 4: Who is one player you’re expecting to have a good game, and one player you’re hoping to have a good game?
Tee Higgins has quietly been exceptional, although under the radar. Between his pass-catching and run-blocking prowess, he has been silently amazing. But, with how things have been on offense, and the heavy reliance on him, kicker Evan McPherson needs to continue to be amazing. Those are expected ones.
In terms of hoping a player has a big game, I’d say either Cashius Howell and/or Shemar Stewart. The former (the team’s first pick in the 2026 draft after the Lawrence trade) has been a spark plug, while the latter has been injured and has an odd pro trajectory, to say the least.
Question 5: Do you expect the Bengals to cover as 2.5-point favorites, and do you have a favorite player prop for the game?
I think the Jags have either a decently comfortable win, and/or the Bengals barely cover. I think this Bengals team is talented, but I still think they are trying to figure things out. Look at the non-obvious guys to make waves this week, for both teams. Higgins, Tuten, Chase Brown, etc.
Thanks to Anthony for taking the time to answer our questions.
Let us know your thoughts on the matchup in the comments below!
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