The Cincinnati Bengals faced a historic defensive breakdown on Sunday, losing 39-38 to the New York Jets, who had not won a game before this. This loss has shown that the Bengals’ defense ranks the worst in the NFL by almost every measurable standard. This situation has raised concerns in Cincinnati and across the league. The importance of this collapse goes beyond a single bad game; it exposes ongoing problems that could shape their entire season.
Jan 7, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (4) hands the ball off to running back Trayveon Williams (32) in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati’s latest meltdown was immediate and glaring. The Bengals entered the fourth quarter with a double-digit lead, only to surrender 23 points in the final 15 minutes, a franchise record for late-game futility. This was not an isolated event. The defense has allowed at least 14 points in the fourth quarter for three straight games, tying them for one of the worst streaks of defensive failure since the NFL-AFL merger. The Bengals have given up 54 points in the fourth quarter alone in these games.
This defense is falling apart quickly. Cincinnati currently ranks at the bottom of the league. Coach Zac Taylor did not hide his frustration after the loss. He demanded leadership and accountability, calling out the unit directly:
“We just needed somebody to rise up and make a play. Someone just hold the fort down. I just didn’t see enough of that today. That’s what I’m waiting to see. Someone to step up and lead the group and take some accountability over there and get this thing going the right way,” Taylor [said postgame.](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/zac-taylor-issues-blunt-challenge-to-bengals-defense-after-epic-collapse-in-loss-to-jets/)
Player frustration is growing, with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase openly wondering how the lead was ever relinquished. While offense has not been perfect, all focus now narrows on coordinator Al Golden and the defensive staff, who have been unable to fix recurring breakdowns. Opposing offenses, including the struggling Jets, have consistently exposed Cincinnati’s issues with tackling and blown assignments.
The Bengals’ playoff path now appears nearly impossible unless there is a sudden, improbable turnaround. Defensive personnel moves, staff changes, and the emergence of new leaders are no longer just options; they are necessities. Each week, the same old issues resurface, and as of October 28, the Bengals own the NFL’s worst defense on record, with no quick fixes in sight.