The Cincinnati Bengals’ restored defense made an impression in Week 1.
And Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud appears to have noticed.
Before Sunday’s matchup in Houston, Stroud praised Cincinnati’s front and singled out the talent the Bengals added during the offseason.
“Their D-line is really good,” Stroud said. “Dexter Lawrence is one of the best DTs in the NFL with B.J. Hill. Jonathan Allen’s playing some really good ball.”
Stroud also complimented Cincinnati’s edge rushers, young linebackers and secondary, adding that the Bengals “looked good against Tampa” and Houston will have to be “on our P’s and Q’s.”
CJ Stroud on the Cincinnati Bengals defense: “Their dline is relay good. Dexter Lawrence is one of the best DTs in the NFL with BJ Hill,
Johnathan Allen’s playing some really good ball, their ends are good as well. Backers are young, fly around, make a lot of plays. Their… pic.twitter.com/MCPdU1bG2h
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 17, 2026
The comments come after Cincinnati forced four turnovers in a 33-27 season-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Three straight first-half Tampa Bay possessions ended in fumbles, helping the Bengals turn those mistakes into 21 points. Cincinnati finished with 24 points off turnovers.
Lawrence, Allen and the rest of the new-look front were brought in to help change the complexion of Cincinnati’s defense. Week 1 provided a comforting first look for Bengals fans.
Stroud provides the next trial as he did well against Buffalo, throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns (although he lost two fumbles in Houston’s 36-31 defeat).
Cincinnati’s ability to create pressure and takeaways could again be central Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Texans' C.J. Stroud admires Bengals defensive line
