The Cincinnati Bengals, overall, have been a letdown throughout their first ten games of the 2024 season. The Bengals have a 4-6 record and currently rank in 3rd place in the AFC North division standings, behind the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens. The only way they can make a playoff run is to qualify for a wild card spot, but that’s not looking good since they sit in 9th place in the AFC Playoff Picture and have a 28% chance of making it.
Although Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense have played well, their defense is lackluster. Every aspect of the defense is horrendous because they don’t have a consistent pass rush outside a one-man wrecking crew, Trey Hendrickson. The run defense misses D.J. Reader badly, and the pass defense isn’t any better.
Today, we will focus on their pass defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ pass defense hasn’t lived up to the expectations and all the trash talk
For talking a lot of trash before, during, and after games, the Bengals’ pass defense has not performed well. The defense allows the 8th-most completions, 8th-most passing yards, and T-6th-most passing touchdowns so far. One of their biggest issues with the cornerback position is the outside corners.
Headlining the outside cornerback position is their CB1, Cam Taylor-Britt. Taylor-Britt talks the most trash in the secondary, but his talk doesn’t walk the walk on the football field. He allows 40 receptions on 61 targets for 559 yards, four touchdowns, and a 109.9 passer rating.
DJ Turner II, who replaced injured Dax Hill as the other starting outside cornerback, is having a solid season but hasn’t been great. Turner allows 20 receptions on 37 targets for 375 yards, one touchdown, and a 98.4 passer rating in coverage.
Concerned with their cornerback depth, the Bengals will host a former Pro Bowler/All-Pro for a visit.
The Cincinnati Bengals will host a former elite CB
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Bengals will host 4-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard for a visit on Monday. As Garafolo points out, the team is looking for talent and experience in the position and sees him as a possible solution to help them get over the hump. They should have enough cap space since they have approximately $8 million.
The #Bengals are hosting four-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard on a visit today, sources say. Cincy’s defense needs some help and experience in the secondary as they try to make a playoff push. They’ll look to Howard as a possible solution. pic.twitter.com/G36G1bGffj
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 11, 2024
He had a remarkable career in Miami
Xavien Howard started his career with the Miami Dolphins, playing 100 games with 99 starts, and made it to four Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro selection in his tenure with the team. He recorded 331 tackles, 29 interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 95 pass deflections. Unfortunately, the Dolphins let him go because of cap space, his age of 31, injuries, and since he’s a shell of his former self and isn’t the same player he once was.
Xavien Howard would be an ideal fit since the Bengals need upgrading/experience and he does have familiarity with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. He might have some gas left in the tank.
