With a 6-11 record the Cincinnati Bengals’ season did not turn out as they had hoped. Their record represented their worst mark since the 2020 season, when quarterback Joe Burrow was still a rookie. Ultimately, in the 2025 season, the team failed to meet expectations. Injuries were a big factor in Cincinnati’s struggles this year, as quarterback Joe Burrow appeared in only eight games.
Head coach Zac Taylor spoke on how injuries derailed the Bengals’ season. He said, “I think what you were missing was your highest-paid player on offense and defense, and that’s challenging holistically.” Defensively, they missed All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was out for 10 games. Without him, the Bengals struggled to stop opposing offenses as they ranked as third-worst defense in points per game allowed.
Cincinnati Bengals Announce Good News
However, it was not all bad news for the Bengals defense this season. Prior to the season, the team partnered with the Kettering Health Foundation. The Bengals agreed to donate $1,000 for each interception by the team. Despite their overall struggles defensively, Cincinnati finished with 13 interceptions, which ranked them 12th in the NFL.
With the 13 interceptions, the Cincinnati Bengals will donate $13,000 to the Kettering Health Foundation. Kettering Health focuses on a holistic cancer care approach to treat the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. With their partnership, the Bengals released a mission statement that read, “The Bengals’ Crucial Catch mission is to fight cancer through early detection, risk reduction, patient support and remembrance. Together with Kettering Health, we’re committed to giving fans the tools and resources they need to understand risks and take action. Each year, we join forces to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and honor those we’ve lost during our Crucial Catch game.”
Safety Jordan Battle led the way with four interceptions this season. In his first two seasons, he totaled only two in 34 games. His four interceptions ranked him fourth among all safeties in the NFL.
Bengals Defensive Outlook
Aside from the interceptions that contributed to a good cause, the Cincinnati Bengals defense will have to improve. They will likely have to do so without Trey Hendrickson going forward, as the soon-to-be free agent is seemingly going elsewhere. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote, “This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market.”
ESPN named former Pro Bowl pass rusher Joey Bosa as a potential replacement for Hendrickson. Bosa signed a one-year deal with the Bills prior to the season, and may be looking for a change of scenery as the Bills fired their head coach following a disappointing playoff loss. At this stage of his career, Bosa will likely not command a massive salary. He has not had a double-digit sack season since 2021, but his experience could help the Bengals’ young pass rushers develop in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals Announce Good News After Disappointing Season