BREAKING NEWS:Cincinnati Bengals’ Defense is Ranked Low Yet Againt the…see more

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has once again found itself near the bottom of the NFL rankings, according to early evaluations from league analysts and data compiled from offseason workouts and mini-camps.

Despite entering the 2025 season with high expectations following several key defensive acquisitions and draft picks, the Bengals’ defensive unit is currently ranked 29th out of 32 teams in composite rankings published this week by Pro Football Focus and ESPN.

Analysts cite persistent issues with tackling efficiency, a lack of quarterback pressure, and underwhelming secondary coverage as major contributors to the low rating. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, entering his seventh season with the team, now faces growing scrutiny as questions swirl about the effectiveness of his system and whether the front office did enough to address glaring weaknesses.

“We know what the numbers say,” Anarumo said in a press conference Tuesday. “But we also know what we’re building here. It’s June. This defense will look very different by Week 1.”

Still, fans and commentators are growing restless. The Bengals’ defensive struggles were a major storyline last season, when the team ranked 31st in yards allowed per game and failed to make a deep playoff run despite a top-tier offensive performance from Joe Burrow and company.

Some bright spots remain — including second-year edge rusher Myles Murphy, who has reportedly shown major development this offseason, and the return of safety Dax Hill, who missed much of last year due to injury. But unless things turn around fast, the Bengals’ defense may once again be the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise playoff-caliber roster.

Stay tuned for more updates as training camp approaches.