The Baltimore Ravens have owned the recent chapter of their rivalry with theCincinnati Bengals, winning five of the past six meetings while maintaining a 33-28 advantage in the all-time series. That doesn't mean Jesse Minter's team can afford to overlook its AFC North rival. After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, Cincinnati responded by making sweeping changes to its defense in hopes of complementing one of the NFL's most explosive offenses.
The Bengals added proven veterans, invested in young talent and reunited with a familiar defensive coordinator, all while attempting to erase the shortcomings that plagued the unit throughout 2025. The Ravens should expect a different-looking defense in 2026, but there are still several
trends that could shape how Baltimore attacks the Bengals.
Cincinnati completely reshaped its defensive front
No AFC North defense underwent a more significant makeover this offseason. The Bengals parted ways with longtime edge rusher Trey Hendrickson but immediately addressed the loss by adding one of the league's premier interior defenders in Dexter Lawrence. The latter recorded a career-high nine sacks in 2024 and remains one of football's most disruptive defensive tackles.
Cincinnati didn't stop there. Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen joins the rotation after totaling 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. Edge rusher Boye Mafe signed a three-year contract to bolster the pass rush, while safety Bryan Cook strengthens the secondary.
The personnel has changed dramatically, but whether the new pieces develop chemistry quickly could determine how much immediate improvement follows. This coaching staff has a job to do.
Al Golden inherits plenty of work
Returning defensive coordinator Al Golden won't have to search long for areas requiring attention. The Bengals surrendered 28.9 points per game and 380.9 total yards per contest in 2025, both among the NFL's poorest defensive performances.
Opposing offenses also converted 43.42 percent of their third-down opportunities, allowing drives to stay alive far too often. The struggles extended into the passing game.
Cincinnati allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a 99.4 passer rating while giving up 233.8 passing yards per game, both ranking near the bottom of the league. Those numbers explain why the Bengals aggressively rebuilt the defense despite possessing one of the conference's better offenses.
Cashius Howell could contribute mightily in year one
The Bengals also invested heavily in their future. First-round selection Cashius Howell enters the league with one of the nation's most decorated collegiate resumes after earning unanimous All-America honors, SEC Defensive Player of the Year recognition and First-Team All-SEC honors during his final season.
Expectations for rookie defenders should always remain measured, particularly in the AFC North, but Howell gives Cincinnati another explosive athlete capable of making an early impact if his transition to the professional game goes smoothly. Baltimore's offensive line may test that learning curve immediately.
The pass rush should remain productive
Replacing Hendrickson won't be easy, but Cincinnati still has reason for optimism. The Bengals recorded 35 sacks last season, averaging just over two per game, and now supplement that production with Lawrence, Allen and Mafe. Howell could eventually join that conversation as well.
The names have changed, but Baltimore cannot assume Cincinnati's pass rush will simply disappear because one star departed. Lamar Jackson's mobility should continue helping neutralize pressure, yet the Ravens' offensive line will face another demanding challenge inside the division.
Baltimore should test Cincinnati before the defense fully gels
Talent alone doesn't guarantee immediate success.
The Bengals enter the season with a new collection of starters, a returning coordinator installing his vision and several newcomers expected to play meaningful snaps from Week 1. Building communication, trust and consistency often takes time, particularly against offenses as versatile as Baltimore's.
The Ravens should look to exploit any early growing pains by varying personnel groupings, attacking mismatches and forcing Cincinnati's rebuilt defense to communicate under pressure.
The Bengals have assembled the pieces to become a much tougher defensive opponent than they were a season ago. Whether those additions translate into immediate results remains to be seen, but Baltimore would be wise to prepare for a defense that's considerably more talented than the one reflected in last year's statistics.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Bengals’ rebuilt defense gives Ravens new AFC North challenge
