Bengals Defense Overhaul Sets Tone for 2026 Season, Says QB Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 offseason after a 2025 campaign marred by injuries. Quarterback Joe Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor highlighted three high-profile defensive additions—defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, safety Bryan Cook, and edge rusher Jonathan Allen—as cornerstones of a revamped unit. Burrow said the mix of young talent and veteran presence creates a “recipe for success” and signals a shift in locker-room leadership. Myles Murphy’s renewed confidence also reflects the new energy.

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The 2025 season saw Burrow miss nine games due to injury, and the Bengals failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Burrow described the missed time as “not fun,” underscoring the need for a more resilient defense. The upcoming schedule features seven straight 1 p.m. kickoff games to open the season—a first in Burrow’s seven-year tenure—offering early home returns after road trips.

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Burrow asserted that the Bengals “have everything we need,” citing the trade for Lawrence, the signing of Cook, and the addition of Allen as key moves. He noted a palpable shift in locker-room vibe and leadership, crediting the blend of youth and experience for a “recipe for success.” Looking ahead, Burrow said the team will “put in the work over the next several months” and aim to secure prime-time flex spots later in the season.

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• “We made a big trade for a big-time player. Signed a free agent top safety on the market and other additions. We’ll see how the rookies end up. . . . But first impressions, we’ve got guys that care about the game, care about their job, and want to be great. When you have young guys like that and veterans like we do, it’s a recipe for success.” — Joe Burrow, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

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• “We’ll try to get flexed a couple of times into the sweet spot later in the season. Everybody feels like this is going to be an exciting season for us, so now we put in the work over the next several months to put the pieces in place to get to where we want.” — Joe Burrow, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

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• “They’re going to keep getting great players to come play for the Bengals, and when they do that, then it’s my job and Zac’s job and the leaders of this team to bring the locker room together and then go execute on the field,” — Joe Burrow, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

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The defensive additions aim to lessen the load on Burrow and elevate the Bengals’ competitiveness in a division that includes the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns. If the new players perform as projected, Cincinnati could shift from rebuilding to contention and break its three-year playoff absence. The early-day home games and planned flex appearances provide additional exposure and allow the team to evaluate its revamped defense under varied conditions.

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