You love to see it.
The NFL season is quickly approaching as the Cincinnati Bengals hope to bounce back after a disappointing year in 2024-25.
That is what led to a change at the defensive coordinator position, and the eventual hiring of Al Golden. Now Golden is no stranger to the Queen City, but comes back to the franchise after several successful years as the DC for Notre Dame.
Fans are cautiously optimistic, but after a recent comment by Geno Stone, it may start to creep even further.
Charlie Goldsmith, a writer for Fox19, spoke with Stone after practice, and he praised the way Golden lets his defense play.
“One thing I’ll say about Al is he lets us run the defense. It’s not pre-checks. Whatever you see out there, call what it is,” said Stone. “Whatever it may be, call the right thing, or we’ll meet in here and talk about what we all saw. We have full control over the defense. Everyone is lined up ready for the snap, and you don’t see people just pointing at each other.”
After a really poor defensive year last season, there is a lot of pressure on Golden and this defensive unit to bounce back and make a statement. It sounds like from that comment, the players are enjoying the new system so far.