The Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense has been a sight for sore eyes for years now. Fox Sports ranked them the 25th-worst defense in the entire NFL last season and Pro Football Network had them even lower than that the last two seasons at No. 27 and No. 28.

This year, they remain in PFN’s basement, coming in at 28th in the NFL yet again.

“Remember in 2022 when this looked like a franchise with balance and staying power?,” PFN writes. “They were our 11th-best defense that season and trending toward the elite tier of the conference, but with 27th and 28th Defense+ finishes since, Cincinnati has looked more like a one-trick pony over the past two years than a legitimate threat to the top tier of the AFC.

“In 2024, this was the second-worst run defense in terms of success rate, which needs to be corrected sooner rather than later. If they can’t stop the run, things crumble from the inside out, and they have no chance.”

Ranking may not even factor in the Hendrickson and Stewart situations

The Bengals’ ongoing contract disputes with star defensive end and 2024 NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart are well documented. At times, they are downright entertaining when it comes to the ineptitude of this organization.

But, it seems like PFN is assuming both are signed and playing, which right now they aren’t (Hendrickson is signed, but holding out for an extension)

“Trey Hendrickson is back, and edge Shemar Stewart was added with the 17th overall pick,” PFN writes. “Due to the offensive upside on this roster, this unit doesn’t need to be one of the 10 best in the sport, but finishing in the bottom third of the league will cut out the legs of any long-term plans they were hoping for.

“This defense will be under the most pressure to rebound in 2025. If that occurs, they will be a real contender.”

That’s quite a big “if” considering Hendrickson and Stewart will be getting a slow start even if they are all settled before the start of training camp. And that’s not even to mention that second-round pick Demetrius Knight II still isn’t signed either. He’s also fighting with the Bengals over contract language.

Bengals’ 2024 defense ranks low in most categories

Defenses can be ranked in a number of ways by a myriad of metrics. Some look at total yards allowed while others lean toward total points given up. The latter is probably the most telling stat; teams can let opposing offenses run up and down the field all day (not suggested however), but if they don’t give up any points, who cares?

In terms of yards given up in 2024, the Bengals weren’t great, ranking 19th in the NFL with 4,016 yards surrendered, according to the league’s official website. As for points allowed, they were tied for 25th (or 26th if you are a pessimist) with the Las Vegas Raiders.

It’s not just that the defense was awful, but the three guys that are most able to help this year aren’t playing. Hendrickson wants a contract extension, Stewart just wants a fair deal commensurate with last year’s first-round pick and, don’t forget, second-rounder Knight still hasn’t inked his rookie deal.

It’s fair to wonder what Bengals’ management is thinking.