Former NFL Star Hails Al Golden As Bengals' Defense Continues to Impress
Al Golden spent two seasons with the Bengals as linebackers coach, including the 2021 Super Bowl season. Michael Caterina/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Al Golden spent two seasons with the Bengals as linebackers coach, including the 2021 Super Bowl season. Michael Caterina/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
The Bengals entered the 2026 season knowing their defense needed to improve, and the early results have been encouraging. Cincinnati has looked far more disciplined and physical through two games, giving the team something it lacked last season. Much of that improvement has come from the work of defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Golden has helped reshape the unit after a strong finish to last season. The Bengals also gave him significant reinforcements, adding Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to strengthen the defensive front. Former NFL star Chris Long believes those changes explain why Cincinnati's defense has taken such a noticeable step forward.
Speaking on his Green Light podcast, Long praised Golden and highlighted the personnel changes Cincinnati made.
“He's flipped this defense, and he was one of my college coaches. So I like Goldie. But when you look at the way they played in the second half of the season last year, you shouldn't be surprised. And when you look at the fact that they went out and got Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, who have been very good.”
Long's comments reflect the bigger picture surrounding Cincinnati. Golden has a stronger group to work with, but the defense has still needed to execute. So far, that combination has produced encouraging results and given the Bengals a foundation to build around.
The Bengals' Defense Is Saving a Mediocre Offense
The defense has become particularly important because Cincinnati's offense has not consistently matched expectations. Joe Burrow and the Bengals have done enough to win games, but the unit has yet to reach the elite level many expected.
That has placed greater responsibility on Golden's defense. Lawrence and Allen have strengthened the interior, while the rest of the unit has benefited from their presence.
The Bengals cannot expect the defense to carry everything forever. However, through the opening weeks, Golden's group has given Cincinnati the stability it needed while Burrow and the offense continue searching for their best form.
Written by
Joseph Nithin