Jun 16, 2026; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter (49) gestures with linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) throughout minicamp at Kettering Well being Observe Fields. Necessary Credit score: Katie Stratman-Imagn Photos | IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join
Final yr was a horrible one for the protection of the Cincinnati Bengals, and the linebacker group was the weak hyperlink of that weak unit.
It appeared apparent that main upheaval was wanted, but the Bengals’ entrance workplace did little or no.
Effectively, it might simply end up that they have been proper about Cincinnati’s younger linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
These two have made quite a lot of huge performs to date in coaching camp.
Right here’s a clip of Knight rapidly discovering his method by means of the road to get in place to make a sort out for loss.
Demetrius Knight Jr coming downhill, knifing by means of the OL and doubtlessly making this TFL.Vid from @BengalScoutJoel pic.twitter.com/I4v9IVoFfP
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) July 30, 2026
And right here’s Carter making the sort of play within the passing sport that was so desperately lacking final yr, stopping a giant acquire with a heads-up play.
That is truly a very nice play from Barrett Carter coming from protection and shutting QUICKLY on the display screen cross. pic.twitter.com/1xv4g9Z7uS
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) July 30, 2026
So now defensive coordinator Al Golden will get to take a little bit of a victory lap, as he has insisted that the younger linebackers simply want time.
“You guys know how I feel about them — love them,” Golden mentioned, in accordance with Charlie Clifford. “I stood on the table for them.”
Al Golden on the linebackers: “You guys know how I feel about them — love them. I stood on the table for them.”
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) August 4, 2026
It’s early, however Bengals followers can solely hope that he’s proper on this one.
