Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase made it clear at the Pro Bowl that Cincinnati can no longer ignore its defensive woes. After a 2021 Super Bowl run that still haunts the franchise, he warned that the upgraded front seven will push expectations beyond the offense. “We got to the Super Bowl in ’21 and never went back,” Chase said, noting the new pressure on the defense.

The Bengals finished last season 30th in scoring defense, allowing 28.9 points per game, and ranked dead last in yards allowed per play (6.2). To address that, Cincinnati traded its 10th‑overall pick to the New York Giants for three‑time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence, a premier interior lineman. The move, described as the franchise’s most aggressive acquisition, signals a commitment to shoring up the line.

Chase praised the front office for “showing us they want to be with us,” and teammates like Tee Higgins echoed the sentiment, saying personal accolades are irrelevant without championships. New faces such as backup QB Joe Flacco and cornerback DJ Turner II have already joined OTAs, reinforcing depth. Cincinnati now heads into the season with a defense that must deliver, or the playoff window narrows.