A young secondary with some bite isn’t backing down from the superstar QB-WR duo.
After a disastrous 2024-25 season, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense is not only looking to do its part but to also send a message to the offense: we’re pretty special too.
The hope for fans was that the defense would be able to just enough to let the offense win games in 2025.
But it seems the Bengals’ younger defensive players took offense to being viewed as doormats, and so they’re clapping back in practice and showing they have pride as well.
Yesterday, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt broke up a red-zone pass to Ja’Marr Chase and gave him a little stare afterwards.
Then, safety Jordan Battle broke up an end-zone pass to Chase and taunted him with “Catch the ball! Catch the ball!”
And today, Demetrius Knight got an acrobatic pass breakup on a pass to Chase that was then scooped up by Dax Hill for an interception. The rookie linebacker got a lot of hooting and hollering from his teammates and a low five from his coach as well.
WHAT A PLAY by Demetrius Knight and heads up grab by Dax Hill to pick off this Joe Burrow pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase. pic.twitter.com/PZNoDenWQm
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) July 31, 2025
Even DJ Turner, who was struggling, had a nice performance today, breaking up a pass to Chase.
DJ Turner was the player of the day with five pass breakups on Thursday.
“I needed this. I just have to stack it. I have to do better tomorrow.”@WLWT pic.twitter.com/2Radm2tUA9
— Jaron May (@jaron_may) July 31, 2025
Yesterday, Burrow was prompted by the great play of the defense to praise their energy and say, “You have the best play into the best defense that you’re, from an offensive perspective, that you’re trying to attack. And if you have a defensive lineman or safety or corner make a great individual play, then there’s not a lot you can do.”
We talked about the resurgence of the defense in camp in the video below:
You can also listen on iTunes or by using the player below.
