Look: Bengals Lag Behind Most NFL Teams in Defensive Havoc Rate

Plenty of room to improve.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) recovers his own fumble as he’s tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 16 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. The Bengals won 24-16. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Great NFL teams usually cause headaches for opposing offenses and the Bengals didn't do that enough in 2024. Fantasy Life's Ian Hartitz ran down the Havoc rankings for each defense and Cincinnati checked in at 24th on the list.

A Havoc play is when the defense forces a quarterback pressure, tackle for loss, interception, forced fumble or pass breakup. Cincinnati was strong in the turnover department, forcing 25 on the season (seventh-best in the NFL). Sacks are where they lagged behind with just 36 on the campaign (25th).

Finding some pass rushers to complement Trey Hendrickson (17.5 sacks in 2024) is a key part of this offseason.

Best team defense "Havoc" rates in 2024.

Havoc is defined as the percentage of plays where the defense got a pressure, tackle for a loss, interception, forced fumble or pass breakup:

1. DEN
2. DET
3. CLE
4. PHI
5. MIN
6. TB
7. BAL
8. HOU
9. GB
10. KC
11. SEA
12. PIT
13. CHI
14.…

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 23, 2025

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