Bengals OL Sends Warning to NFL About Cincinnati Defense: 'Good Luck'

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2026 season with urgency after missing the playoffs in each of the past three years, and they believe their offseason upgrades can change the trajectory. After completing a joint practice with the Chicago Bears ahead of their second preseason game, the Bengals’ defense drew attention as it worked against Chicago’s offense. Offensive lineman Dalton Risner said the unit is creating headaches for opponents, telling them “good luck” when asked about the Bengals’ “new-look” defense. Risner also linked defensive improvement to offensive growth, emphasizing competition as what they need. Quarterback Joe Burrow added that Cincinnati’s window is now, not “next year,” and said the urgency in the locker room is “palpable.”