Cincinnati Bengals Share Positive Update After Tough Season
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 6–11 finish fell well short of expectations and marked the franchise’s worst record since the 2020 season, when quarterback Joe Burrow was still a rookie. The 2025 campaign ultimately proved disappointing, largely due to injuries. Burrow was limited to just eight appearances, which significantly impacted the team’s performance.
Head coach Zac Taylor addressed how the rash of injuries disrupted the season, noting the absence of key stars on both sides of the ball. “When your highest-paid players on offense and defense are unavailable, it affects everything,” Taylor explained. On defense, the Bengals were without All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson for 10 games. His absence was evident, as Cincinnati finished with the third-most points allowed per game in the NFL.
Bengals Deliver Good News Despite Struggles
Even so, the season wasn’t entirely negative for Cincinnati’s defense. Before the year began, the Bengals partnered with the Kettering Health Foundation, pledging to donate $1,000 for every interception recorded. Although the defense struggled overall, the team still came away with 13 interceptions, ranking 12th league-wide.
As a result, the Bengals will contribute $13,000 to the Kettering Health Foundation, an organization dedicated to comprehensive cancer care that addresses mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In a statement released by the team, the Bengals emphasized their commitment to cancer awareness through their Crucial Catch initiative, which focuses on early detection, education, patient support, and honoring survivors and those lost to the disease.
Safety Jordan Battle was a standout, leading the team with four interceptions. That total was a significant jump from his first two seasons, during which he recorded just two picks across 34 games. His four interceptions ranked fourth among all NFL safeties.
While the charitable impact was a bright spot, the Bengals’ defense clearly needs improvement. That task may become more difficult if Trey Hendrickson departs in free agency. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the relationship between Hendrickson and the team has likely reached its end, citing stalled contract talks and a strong market for pass rushers. Although Cincinnati could use the franchise tag, Hendrickson appears headed elsewhere.
ESPN has identified former Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa as a possible replacement. Bosa signed a one-year deal with the Bills before the season and could be seeking a fresh start after Buffalo dismissed its head coach following a playoff disappointment. While Bosa hasn’t reached double-digit sacks since 2021 and is no longer expected to command a top-tier contract, his veteran presence could prove valuable in mentoring Cincinnati’s younger pass rushers.
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