Al Golden took over the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense in 2025 and was tasked with fixing one of the worst units in the NFL. Golden’s first season was rough, with Cincinnati again ranking at or near the bottom of the league in most major categories.
After the most aggressive offseason in franchise history and virtually all of their resources going to the defensive side of the ball, the pressure is on Golden to turn that talent into production and to start the season, it looks like things are trending in the right direction.
> “There was a lot to feel good about, and heading the list had to be the play of linebackers Demetrius Knight [Jr.](https://www.bengals.com/team/players-roster/demetrius-knight-jr/) (a 27-yard fumble return touchdown) and Barrett Carter (a half sack, a forced goal-line fumble, eight-team high tackles). After an offseason of scrutiny, the Opening Day tape reinforced the Bengals’ decision to attack the front and back in the defensive overhaul.“
> “The No. 18 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Mims has been riding an upward trajectory since he arrived, starting 31 of a possible 35 games while developing into someone offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher labeled as his candidate for breakout player of the year.”
> “But make no mistake about it. Lawrence made his presence felt all game long, and it turned into one of the more underrated performances from the first weekend of NFL action.”
>
> “So, in the end, one damaging blunder needs correcting, but the protection around Burrow gave Cincinnati a hopeful example of how to execute winning football going forward.”
> “It’s awesome that Bryan Cook voluntarily wanted to return home and shore up a long-suffering Cincinnati safety room. Ever since Jessie Bates’ departure in free agency a few years back, it’s never been the same.”
See More: