The Cincinnati Bengals knew they needed to enhance their defense this past offseason.
They went out and signed nose tackle D.J. Reader and linebacker Josh Bynes while also drafting another linebacker, Logan Wilson, in the third round. Those additions have helped, but what has allowed them to keep progressing as a defense is the tenacity from free safety Jessie Bates III.
In his third season in the NFL, Bates is having a breakout year alongside of offseason addition Vonn Bell. Through four games, Bates has played in over 95 percent of the team’s snaps.