Posted on Oct 27

Bengals hold players-only meeting after historic defensive collapse against Jets

Posted Oct 27, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals defense is in crisis following a humiliating loss to the New York Jets, prompting players to hold an urgent meeting focused on accountability and improvement.

Why it matters: The Bengals defensive struggles have reached alarming levels, with the team currently sitting at 3-5 and desperate for solutions as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears before their bye week.

The defense ranks 30th in points allowed per drive (2.76) and last in yards allowed per play (6.2), indicating systemic issues that need addressing.
This defeat marks a historic low for the Bengals, who allowed the Jets to score 39 points—their first time achieving such offensive success since 2000, despite missing key players due to injuries.

What’s new: Following the loss, head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the necessity for leadership within the defensive unit.

"One of the defensive players needs to step up and lead the group and carry a sense of accountability," stated Taylor, acknowledging that the team cannot afford to lose focus or morale.

Yes, but: While the players-only meeting signifies urgency, it raises questions about the effectiveness of communication within the squad.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden remarked, “I don't know what was talked about -- nor should I -- but it does feel like the fact that was called is a sense of urgency there, as there should be."
This suggests that while players are recognizing the need for change, whether this translates into actionable and effective strategies on the field remains uncertain.

What to watch: The performance of rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter will be crucial in the upcoming games.

Both players are expected to take on high-leverage roles as the Bengals attempt to stabilize their defense.
Their development could either mitigate or exacerbate the ongoing issues faced by the Bengals’ defensive scheme, which has struggled against both the run and pass.

The bottom line: Cincinnati’s defense must undergo significant transformation if they hope to salvage their season.

Al Golden highlighted the importance of self-reflection among players, stating, “It's not about pointing fingers. It's about what can we do better, what can I do better and how do we get it corrected so we don't have to experience that again.”
With the pressure mounting, each game becomes critical for the Bengals as they strive to regain their footing in a competitive landscape.

As the Bengals prepare to meet the Bears, all eyes will be on how they address these glaring deficiencies and whether the players' meeting leads to tangible improvements on the field.

Bengals hold players-only meeting after historic defensive collapse against Jets

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 27, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals defense is in crisis following a humiliating loss to the New York Jets, prompting players to hold an urgent meeting focused on accountability and improvement.

The defense ranks 30th in points allowed per drive (2.76) and last in yards allowed per play (6.2), indicating systemic issues that need addressing.

This defeat marks a historic low for the Bengals, who allowed the Jets to score 39 points—their first time achieving such offensive success since 2000, despite missing key players due to injuries.

What’s new: Following the loss, head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the necessity for leadership within the defensive unit.

"One of the defensive players needs to step up and lead the group and carry a sense of accountability," stated Taylor, acknowledging that the team cannot afford to lose focus or morale.

Yes, but: While the players-only meeting signifies urgency, it raises questions about the effectiveness of communication within the squad.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden remarked, “I don't know what was talked about -- nor should I -- but it does feel like the fact that was called is a sense of urgency there, as there should be."

This suggests that while players are recognizing the need for change, whether this translates into actionable and effective strategies on the field remains uncertain.

What to watch: The performance of rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter will be crucial in the upcoming games.

Both players are expected to take on high-leverage roles as the Bengals attempt to stabilize their defense.

Their development could either mitigate or exacerbate the ongoing issues faced by the Bengals’ defensive scheme, which has struggled against both the run and pass.

The bottom line: Cincinnati’s defense must undergo significant transformation if they hope to salvage their season.

Al Golden highlighted the importance of self-reflection among players, stating, “It's not about pointing fingers. It's about what can we do better, what can I do better and how do we get it corrected so we don't have to experience that again.”

With the pressure mounting, each game becomes critical for the Bengals as they strive to regain their footing in a competitive landscape.

As the Bengals prepare to meet the Bears, all eyes will be on how they address these glaring deficiencies and whether the players' meeting leads to tangible improvements on the field.