Breaking down the moves the Bengals have made over the last few years that have led to the team once again fielding one of the worst defensive units

CINCINNATI — The Bengals traded for Joe Flacco with hopes of saving their season. Sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for the veteran quarterback and a 2026 sixth-round pick was a no-brainer for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr recorded a single-game franchise record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shaka Heyward suffered a left fibula injury during the second quarter of the team's NFL Week 8 loss to the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals announced that Heyward was declared out. The Bengals signed Heyward as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft.

Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) walk off the field at halftime against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

As the 2025 NFL season hits the midway point, the ground game is once again proving to be a major factor in separating contenders from pretenders. Some teams have built their identities around pounding the rock,

The Cincinnati Bengals defense went young. Two rookie linebackers and a rookie edge rusher, all starting. A cast of unproven recent NFL Draft picks across the defensive line. Even the secondary, experienced by comparison, still has four starters on rookie deals.

The Bengals rank last in the NFL in scoring defense and total defense. Many of the rest of their numbers don't look much better.

But another NFL record for hapless defense is well within reach. The Bengals have allowed at least 27 points in seven consecutive games. Only five teams in the Super Bowl era (196