{
  "id": 18054860,
  "title": "Cincinnati Bengals trying to find solutions to recurring problems on defense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/cincinnati-bengals-trying-to-find-solutions-to-recurring-problems-on",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-04T02:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cincinnati-bengals-trying-solutions-recurring-020500761.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cincinnati Bengals are seeking solutions to recurring defensive problems, according to their defensive coordinator Al Golden. During Sunday's overtime win against the Titans, the Bengals employed a strategy of rotating Josh Newton in and out of the slot position on defense, while keeping Dax Hill on the outside. Newton was primarily used on third downs as the Bengals aimed to address their struggles in that area. When star player DJ Turner left the game in the fourth quarter with a heel injury, both Hill and Newton played outside, with Newton filling the slot. Golden explained that Newton has been training at the position and felt he brought positive energy to it.\n\nDespite the Bengals' defensive issues, Golden expressed satisfaction with Hill's performance and highlighted how the other players stepped up to secure the victory. However, the secondary as a whole faced challenges, with Hill making two missed tackles and allowing receptions for 65 yards, Newton giving up six receptions for 86 yards, and Jordan Battle and Bryan Cook also struggling at safety. Titans quarterback Cam Ward had a career-high 306 passing yards, leading to several big plays through play-action and open field opportunities.\n\nCincinnati managed to secure the overtime win, but the defense continues to face recurring issues, such as allowing explosive plays, struggling against tight ends, and missing tackles. Titans tight end Gunnar Helm contributed significantly with 76 yards on five catches, including a 25-yard touchdown. Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards, with a 40-yard touchdown run and two touchdowns. Despite acknowledging the need for improvement, Bengals coach Zac Taylor remains confident in their progress and expressed optimism about the team's identity moving forward.",
  "summary": "Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden said the decision to play Josh Newton over Dax Hill at times during Sunday’s overtime win against the Titans was designed rotation. As it turned out, the Bengals needed both of them anyway when DJ Turner exited in the fourth quarter with a heel injury. The Bengals struggled on the back end of their defense but Golden wanted to give Newton ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}