Bengals Say 5-2 Start Isn't Enough

Linebacker Jonathan Allen says Cincinnati is not satisfied with its record at the midway point of the 2026 season.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Jonathan Allen said the Cincinnati Bengals are not satisfied with their 5-2 start to the 2026 NFL season. The Bengals left for Spain on Tuesday to face the Atlanta Falcons as betting favorites.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense has slipped since Week 5, ranking 18th in EPA per play allowed and 26th in success rate allowed, after allowing the Titans 36 points the previous weekend. Allen's remarks point to a team looking to correct those issues before the rest of the season.

Allen has a 59 overall Pro Football Focus grade across 294 snaps this season, with 20 tackles and three sacks. The Bengals' defense has ranked 18th in EPA per play allowed since Week 5.

The players

Jonathan Allen

Allen is a veteran defensive lineman who has played in the NFL for many seasons and is known for his interior pass rush.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are an NFL franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and compete in the AFC North division.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are an NFL franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, and compete in the NFC South division.

The details

Allen spoke to reporters at his locker on Monday afternoon, saying the team is not content with a 5-2 record. The Bengals left for Spain on Tuesday ahead of a game against the Falcons, a matchup Cincinnati enters as betting favorites.

Week 5: The Bengals' defensive decline begins, according to the team's advanced metrics since that point.
Monday, November 3, 2026: Allen speaks to the media at his locker.
Tuesday, November 4, 2026: The Bengals depart for Spain.
This week: The Bengals face the Atlanta Falcons in Spain as betting favorites.

Season Trajectory

The Bengals' 5-2 start places them in contention, but their defense ranking 18th in EPA per play allowed since Week 5 shows a weakness that could affect playoff positioning in the AFC North. The team's record and its defensive metrics are pointing in different directions at the season's midpoint.

The Bengals' defensive ranking since Week 5 matters for fantasy managers weighing Bengals defenses against upcoming opponents. Fans following Cincinnati should watch whether the team's defensive numbers improve before the Falcons game in Spain.

The takeaway

The Bengals' 5-2 record at midway is strong, but their defensive numbers since Week 5 suggest the team's margin for error is smaller than the record indicates. Readers tracking the AFC North should watch those defensive metrics as the season continues.