Allen’s optimism gives any opponents easy material about where “somewhere” the Bengals are going, as Cincy just endured its first double-digit losing season since 2020 and has watched the playoffs from home for three straight seasons.
However, his new squad is undeniably loaded in attack. Burrow is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has one of the NFL’s premier wide receiver duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to throw to and a dynamic quarterback talent in Chase Brown.
The club is likely a healthy Burrow season and the defense even improves to league average from turning it around.
Cincinnati’s defense has repeatedly turned the ball over amid a three-year postseason drought, ranking third-lowest in points allowed and actually getting worse in that regard in each successive campaign — from 21st to 25th to 30th.
That’s where Allen and other defensive reinforcements, like pass rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook, come in. Allen believes the additions and core of running backs can make a difference, and while the Bengals are now without star defensive end Trey Hendrickson after already struggling to get stops last season, there are a few who haven’t been around since last season. Safety Jordan Battle led the team in both tackles (125) and pass breakups (four) and tied two other teammates with two forced fumbles last season. Cornerback DJ Turner II, who also forced two fumbles, paced the Bengals with 18 passes defensed and finished as the NFL’s sixth-ranked cornerback in PFF’s coverage.
Allen fits into the equation as a versatile inside lineman who is very capable of getting to the backfield. He’s recorded 45.5 sacks and 129 QB hits in nine career seasons and believes he’ll be able to maximize his line of defense at multiple positions along the line in defensive coordinator Al Golden’s scheme.
“That’s one of the things that stood out to me the most about coming here,” Allen said. “They’re talking about moving me, getting me one-on-one and actually being able to watch the passer and block the run, which is what I love to do.”
Allen has played eight seasons with Washington and started 17 games for the Vikings last year. Allen has only made two trips to the postseason.
Now with Cincinnati, he’s gearing up for a hopefully third and maybe more.