Bengals defense has players-only meeting after home loss

CINCINNATI — A historically poor performance led to a players-only meeting for Cincinnati’s defense Monday.

Members of the Bengals’ defense spent more time together following the team’s 39-38 loss to the New York Jets, who were winless entering the weekend. For the first time since 2000, the Jets scored 35 points and racked up over 500 yards of offense in a single game. New York accomplished this feat despite the absence of quarterback Tyrod Taylor and receiver Garrett Wilson, both injured.

On Monday, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden said the players’ meeting was an indication that what was happening was “unacceptable” and that the defense needed to ease the burden on the team’s other units.

“I don’t know what we talked about — and I shouldn’t — but I feel like the fact that this was announced is a sense of urgency, as it should be,” Golden said. “Because we can’t do that again on offense and special teams.

Immediately after the game, Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said one of the defensive players needed to step up and lead the group and have a sense of responsibility. Less than 24 hours after the loss, Taylor added that he felt like there were “good players in this room” who were “holding each other accountable.” Taylor added that it’s the little details that are currently hurting this group.

“There are no major changes to be made with this stuff,” the seventh-year coach said. “Fundamentally, we have to be better. And that’s really at every level of defense.”

Heading into Monday Night Football, Cincinnati ranked near the bottom in several major defensive categories. The Bengals are 30th in points allowed per drive (2.76), last in yards allowed per play (6.2) and 31st in third-down stop rate (48.5%).

Golden is almost halfway through his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator. The former Bengals assistant and Notre Dame defensive coordinator was brought back from the college level to replace Lou Anarumo and fix a defense that struggled last season.

However, after eight games, Cincinnati failed to improve. The Bengals have relied on young starters, including rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, to become high-leverage players.

And while the group made some good plays, including early Sunday against the Jets, some allowed plays were disastrous, according to Golden.

“We can’t, for whatever reason, get rid of the inconsistencies that break your back,” he said. “I’ve got to break through there and give them a path to success that’s up to me and just eliminate these games because there are really big things on the other side.”

Cincinnati (3-5) prepares to face the Chicago Bears (4-3) before the Bengals have their bye week in Week 10. If the Bengals can pull out a win, they can stay within striking distance of the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3), the current leaders of a mediocre AFC North. However, before that can happen, the Bengals have several defensive issues that need to be addressed. Cincinnati hopes Monday’s meeting between the players can help the team find answers quickly.

“It’s not about pointing fingers,” Golden said. “It’s not about that. It’s about what can we do better, what can I do better and how can we fix the situation so we don’t have to go through this again.”