The 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals have opened the 2026 season with eight sacks in two games; ESPN Research ranks them fifth in pressure rate (40.2%) and fourth in quarterback-hit rate (20.5%). They have allowed three touchdowns and 149 rushing yards.
Cincinnati’s first two opponents were Tampa Bay and Houston. The article notes that both teams’ offensive lines had question marks and says shaky quarterback play and questionable skill groups also helped the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed 569 passing yards, which the article says largely came in garbage time.
The report credits Boye Mafe, Cashius Howell, Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen and returning linemen Myles Murphy, Shamar Stewart and Kris Jenkins with strong starts. The Bengals are preparing to face Pittsburgh in Week 3.
