The Miami Dolphins remain without a win in 2026, but take on a banged-up Cincinnati Bengals team that could be without receiver duo Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Jordan Battle told reporters a sign the Bengals defense have identified ahead of the clash with the Dolphins
Jordan Battle told reporters a sign the Bengals defense have identified ahead of the clash with the Dolphins(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle confused fans as he offered some insight into his team’s game plan against Malik Willis and the Miami Dolphins.
On Sunday, the Bengals will take on the winless Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium as the AFC East franchise bids to tally a first victory of the 2026 season. Cincinnati is in an interesting position, given that Ja’Marr Chase is officially listed as questionable, having entered concussion protocol in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The absence of Chase will sting for the Bengals, but the franchise’s true strength - for the first time in the Joe Burrow era - has stemmed from its defense. The trade for Dexter Lawrence seems to be a stroke of genius, with the unit ranked 13th in scoring defense.
READ MORE: Ravens learn lesson from Maxx Crosby collapse with secret trade maneuver
One of the strengths of the unit has been its ability to take away the deep ball, but Battle seemed to let up on one of Cincinnati’s key strategies for dealing with the Miami offense. He appeared to share that the Bengals had spotted something Willis does before throwing the ball.
“He has a little slight little tap before every throw though, so I feel like we could use that as a key to break on the ball,” Battle told reporters on Thursday. “He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that that gives the read the break.
“He's obviously dangerous with his feet. We know we've got to be alert for that.”
Sign up to our NFL newsletter here
Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins over the offseason
Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins over the offseason(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Battle's comments quickly went viral, and Bengals fans were both infuriated and puzzled as to why he would reveal what his unit had discussed about an upcoming opponent. One Bengals fan replied to the clip: “Why would you say that before the game? That's postgame talk.”
Ultimately, Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley did not seem fazed upon learning of Battle’s comments. He told reporters on Friday: “It’s a timing and rhythm thing with a lot of guys, and there’s a lot of them that do that.
“But any opponent that wants to share our tendencies with us, we’ll take any time. But there’s nothing there on that.”
Battle and the Bengals defense have a reason to be confident. Against the high-flying Jaguars offense, Cincinnati’s defense remained solid despite rolling out five defensive backs playing new positions.
The overhaul of the defensive line over the offseason is paying off, alongside better continuity under defensive coordinator Al Golden, and this resilient ‘next-man-up’ mindset in the secondary. Cincinnati will likely fancy its chances against a Dolphins offense that is ranked 30th in the NFL.
The 2-2 Bengals are next in action against the 0-4 Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11.