Breaking down the moves the Bengals have made over the last few years that have led to the team once again fielding one of the worst defensive units

Jets vs. Bengals will broadcast locally in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. Bengals Radio Network: Cincinnati flagship stations WCKY (1530), WEBN-FM (102.7) and WLW700. SiriusXM Ch. 226

CINCINNATI — The Bengals traded for Joe Flacco with hopes of saving their season. Sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for the veteran quarterback and a 2026 sixth-round pick was a no-brainer for Cincinnati.

New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood was benched during the first quarter of the Jets' NFL Week 8 game against the Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr recorded a single-game franchise record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.

Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) walk off the field at halftime against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shaka Heyward suffered a left fibula injury during the second quarter of the team's NFL Week 8 game against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals announced that Heyward was declared out. The Bengals signed Heyward as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a disastrous, 39-38 loss to the previously winless New York Jets, in which they blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. It wasn't the first time this defense has hurt the Bengals (3-5), which is why they are taking extra measures to right the ship.