The Cincinnati Bengals did play better on defense in Week 12's 26-20 loss to the New England Patriots, but it's dizzying to think on the amount of talent they've let escape the building in recent years.
Whether it's former players going on to shine for other teams, or missed opportunities via free agency or the draft, the Bengals' historically bad defensive unit in 2025 has the brains of Who Dey Nation racing. So many what-if scenarios.
A couple more plays made here and there could've made all the difference for this season. Alas, the 3-8 Bengals faithful watched another 3-8 team's defense continue to overachieve on Sunday.