The Cincinnati Bengals were widely regarded as strong championship contenders heading into the 2023 season after reaching the AFC Championship in each of the previous two years. However, their 1-3 start to the season raised serious concerns about their ability to succeed.
Despite the early struggles, the Bengals have managed to turn things around, now holding a 5-3 record as they approach their Week 10 game against the Houston Texans.
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Cincinnati’s resurgence has led head coach Zac Taylor to highlight the defensive line’s contributions, expressing a desire for the unit to receive more recognition for their role in the turnaround (via Mike Petraglia on Twitter). However, the defensive line’s performance has not been particularly remarkable so far.
The Bengals have struggled defensively in some key areas, allowing the second-most yards per rush attempt and ranking 22nd in pass defense through their first eight games. Nevertheless, they have managed to limit opponents to just 20.3 points per game, ranking 12th in the NFL.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact impact of the defensive line, Taylor remains confident in their role in the team’s recent improvement. Moving forward, Cincinnati will rely on the defensive line’s efforts if they hope to secure a win over the Texans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud this Sunday.
