Al Golden and his much-maligned Bengals defense stole the show in the second half and captured an elusive Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The offense started hot and went right down the field for a 12-play, 68-yard opening drive touchdown that Joe Flacco and crew would match with an even longer drive of their own that took 9:50 off the clock. Both teams would trade barbs back and forth, with Cincinnati ultimately coming away victorious 17-16 in a wild game. The Bengals’ defense was masterful after halftime, limiting the Browns on their final five possessions to an interception, a turnover on downs, a punt, a missed field goal, and another interception, which sealed the game.
Al Golden’s Defense Shines in Week 1 Victory Over the Browns
Golden Rule
Golden’s history with the team, serving as linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021, which saw the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI, was a perfect match for his chance to lead the defense this offseason. The Brown and Blackburn families love to work with those they know, so the signing of Golden wasn’t a surprise. Head coach Zac Taylor was also effusive in his praise when Golden was hired, especially as it related to his experience in the college ranks.
Throughout the spring and summer, Golden was behind the scenes retooling the defense into his image, which is predicated on playing fast and creating turnovers. These tenets were on full display in Week 1, and both played a major factor in securing the win for the orange and black. This is a good sign, as several players stepped up to put a game away. This was a major problem in 2024, with too many games slipping away for several reasons that cost Cincinnati a chance at the postseason. It was a solid start with much to work on as the Jacksonville Jaguars are on deck in the Jungle next Sunday.
Jordan Battle
Third-year safety Jordan Battle has been through many ups and downs in his short NFL career. The team has put their trust back in him this season, and he immediately repaid them with a stellar interception, where he tipped the ball back to himself against Flacco in the third quarter, with the Browns leading 16-14.
Jordan Battle INT.
Bengals cash in after back to back pressures up front. pic.twitter.com/EVagAv7DSS
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) September 7, 2025
Battle is one of the better tacklers on the team and will continue to get increased opportunities to make big plays with his fantastic awareness as the season continues.
DJ Turner II
Bengals cornerback DJ Turner missed a good portion of his sophomore season after suffering a broken clavicle in Week 11 of 2024. He has returned with a vengeance and seems back to his rookie form, performing very well in OTAs and training camp. Turner is an aggressive player with great recovery speed and ball skills. The latter was on full display in icing the game for the men in stripes.
DJ Turner saves the game with the INT!
CINvsCLE on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/opCKppcEIv
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Golden will be counting not only Battle and Turner, but also on different guys each week, as is life in the NFL. The opener was as promising a start as you could ask for, warts and all. One down, 16 to go with plenty of room for improvement in between.
Main Photo: Phil Didion/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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