The Cincinnati Bengals are not the best defensive team this season; in fact, they're far from it. But, despite the struggles, things have looked up lately.
While their solid games have come against teams with backup quarterbacks, there's still reason to be hopeful going forward. Fans should have some hope in 2026, thanks to two players.
As Ben Baby of ESPN mentions, the Bengals' defense has some promise in 2026, thanks in large part to the ascension of two young stars in Myles Murphy and DJ Turner II.
Bengals' defense has hope in 2026 thanks to 2 young stars
"The young defenders are turning the corner," Baby writes. "Cincinnati is finally getting improved play from young players such as defensive end Myles Murphy and cornerback DJ Turner II."
So far this season, while the overall defense has struggled, both Murphy and Turner have shown potential to be cornerstones of a solid defense.
Murphy has 5.5 sacks this season and has been one of the most talked-about players within the team this season. Turner has broken out into one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL.
While he's not a Pro Bowler this season, if the Bengals defense were any better, he might've had a chance for league-wide recognition.
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The Bengals have struggled on the defensive side of the ball for a while now, and even though a lot more work needs to be done, there is some hope.
Murphy and Turner have turned the corner and are becoming good players for a Bengals defense in dire need of their young players to break out.
If Shemar Stewart can improve as they have, and the Bengals hit on their investments into the future, having a strong defense in 2026 and beyond is not a far-fetched reality.
Work still needs to be done to fully improve the defensive side of the ball into a Super Bowl-caliber unit, but for now, seeing the development of Turner and Murphy is a very good sign going forward.
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