No offense in the NFL was humming quite like these Cincinnati Bengals by December, but it didn’t matter.

The defense was an utter horror show.

We’re long overdue to take a look at this club at Go Long, so let’s welcome on exceptional reporter Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic and “The Growler” Podcast. Always good catching up with Paul. We put on the gloves and closely examine the cadaver that was the 2024 Bengals Defense — what in the hell happened? Also, kudos to our recurring guest. An hour after explaining why trading Trey Hendrickson is the best play for Cincinnati, multiple outlets reported that the All Pro defensive end was given permission to seek a trade.

New DC Al Golden has his work cut out for him. Can he get more out of young players such as defensive end Myles Murphy? (Readers may recall this jarring piece from Bob McGinn in his draft series.) An extreme youth movement is a must.

The good news? On offense, the Bengals can realistically lock up Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins long term.

Loved this conversation.

Listen/Watch right here at Go Long, as well as on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everywhere you pod. Also:, be sure to rate, review and share.

One programming note. On Friday AM at GoLongTD.com, I’ll also have a feature on the mastermind central to everything on offense in Cincinnati: Dan Pitcher. What a rise.

Thanks, all.

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