Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the Bengals' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is in his second season with the team.

Cincinnati overcame a slow start to dominate the second half and secure a 35-13 win over the Ravens in a crucial AFC North matchup.

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming out of their bye week with plenty of questions still surrounding the team - but there are also some reasons for optimism. John Sheeran answers Bengals fan questions about the team's 3-2 start and looks ahead to Sunday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. One of the biggest positives has been the development of linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. After struggling as a rookie, Knight has taken a major step forward over the last three weeks. He ranks second among starting linebackers with 15 tackles during that span, has a 13% run-stop rate and has yet to miss a tackle. John also explains why the Bengals didn't make a major move at running back this offseason, whether Cincinnati should consider extending Chase Brown, and which Bengals players should be prioritized for new contracts. Plus, John discusses Shemar Stewart's place on the defensive line, the Bengals' biggest defensive weaknesses, and why Cincinnati's underlying metrics suggest this team may be better than its inconsistent performances have made it look. The Bengals are 3-2 heading into a huge matchup with Baltimore. Is this team actually good enough to make a run? John breaks down the biggest questions surrounding Cincinnati coming out of the bye. #Bengals #CincinnatiBengals #DemetriusKnight #WhoDey #NFL

Demetrius Knight Jr. is finally starting to look like the linebacker the Cincinnati Bengals hoped they were drafting. After a difficult rookie season, Knight entered 2026 with plenty to prove. The Bengals chose not to make a major addition at linebacker this offseason, instead trusting Knight and his young teammates to develop. Over the last three weeks, that decision is starting to look much better. Knight ranks second among starting linebackers with 15 tackles during that span, eighth with a 13% run-stop rate and has yet to miss a tackle. He was particularly impressive against the Miami Dolphins, recording six defensive stops while consistently attacking the line of scrimmage. John Sheeran breaks down Knight's recent progression and explains why Cincinnati should be encouraged by what it's seeing from its second-year linebacker. There are still major areas that Knight needs to improve, particularly in coverage and when defending runs that reach the perimeter. But compared to where Knight was as a rookie, the progress is undeniable. Could Demetrius Knight Jr. become a legitimate long-term piece of the Bengals defense? John explains why Bengals fans should be encouraged by his recent development. #Bengals #CincinnatiBengals #DemetriusKnight #WhoDey #NFL

One Bengals coach put a lot of odd-sounding defenses up for a certain player.

'Continue To Put The Standard On Tape' - Young Bengals Defenders Staying Focused Amidst Hot Start