Optimism for the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals’ defense is at a low point following Sunday’s shocking collapse against the New York Jets.Cincinnati surrendered 502 yards of offense to the 0-7 Jets, who stormed back to erase a 15-point fourth quarter deficit and beat the Bengals 39-38.The Bengals’ season-high in points wasn’t enough to get Joe Flacco his second straight win, leading the defensive players to take action on Monday.Cincinnati held a defensive players-only meeting on Monday afternoon, with linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. saying it was an effort to make sure the team is on the same page going into Week 9.“Making sure we are all on the same page, truly being accountable, that’s what this is all about,” Knight said. “We have leaders on the defense, us guys know it and we’re looking up to those guys to hold us to the standard.”After Sunday’s loss, the Bengals now have the worst-ranked defense in the NFL, allowing 31.6 points per game.The Bengals have veterans – including Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, BJ Hill and Geno Stone – though the unit is one of the youngest in the league, with rookie linebackers Knight and Barrett Carter playing major roles in their first seasons. Defensive ends Shemar Stewart, Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy are also being counted on for more contributions than they have brought so far.“That’s what we’re going to focus on, being the best that we can be and that’s going to start today and it’s going to start as we continue to go throughout the season,” Knight said.The Bengals’ defense will be tested once again on Sunday, with the Chicago Bears coming to Paycor Stadium. Chicago had won four straight games before Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

CINCINNATI —

Optimism for the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals’ defense is at a low point following Sunday’s shocking collapse against the New York Jets.

Cincinnati surrendered 502 yards of offense to the 0-7 Jets, who stormed back to erase a 15-point fourth quarter deficit and beat the Bengals 39-38.

The Bengals’ season-high in points wasn’t enough to get Joe Flacco his second straight win, leading the defensive players to take action on Monday.

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Cincinnati held a defensive players-only meeting on Monday afternoon, with linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. saying it was an effort to make sure the team is on the same page going into Week 9.

“Making sure we are all on the same page, truly being accountable, that’s what this is all about,” Knight said. “We have leaders on the defense, us guys know it and we’re looking up to those guys to hold us to the standard.”

After Sunday’s loss, the Bengals now have the worst-ranked defense in the NFL, allowing 31.6 points per game.

The Bengals have veterans – including Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, BJ Hill and Geno Stone – though the unit is one of the youngest in the league, with rookie linebackers Knight and Barrett Carter playing major roles in their first seasons. Defensive ends Shemar Stewart, Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy are also being counted on for more contributions than they have brought so far.

“That’s what we’re going to focus on, being the best that we can be and that’s going to start today and it’s going to start as we continue to go throughout the season,” Knight said.

The Bengals’ defense will be tested once again on Sunday, with the Chicago Bears coming to Paycor Stadium. Chicago had won four straight games before Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.