At the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 training camp, head coach Zac Taylor singled out the team’s two young linebackers for their progress and leadership. Demetrius Knight Jr., 26, and Barrett Carter, 23, both entered the offseason after a 2025 rookie campaign that featured ups and downs, and the coaching staff expects them to make a significant leap this year.
Coach Taylor’s observations
When asked what has stood out about the duo, Taylor said, “Their ownership, I really see that with them. Their rapport with the other guys on the defense.” He added that the veterans on the roster have strong leadership qualities and that Knight and Carter have not shied away from learning from them.
The coach also praised the pair’s communication on the field, noting that their ability to coordinate with teammates is essential as the Bengals aim to improve a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league last season.
Statistical background
Knight and Carter were the second- and third-leading tacklers on the Bengals’ roster in 2025, respectively. Despite those numbers, the team finished with the third-worst scoring defense in the NFL and a 6‑11 record. The coaching staff believes the linebackers’ development will be a key factor in reversing that trend.
Looking ahead to 2026
Taylor emphasized that both players arrived at camp with “great energy” and a clear understanding of how vital the linebacker position is to reaching the team’s defensive ceiling. “I think that they’re really taking ownership of the defense and that’s been really encouraging for key positions like that, to be able to show the rest of the team, and we’ve seen that from them,” the coach said.
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on translating the positive signs from camp into consistent on‑field performance. If Knight and Carter continue to develop their leadership and communication, they could help lift the defense from its previous struggles and position Cincinnati as a contender in the AFC North.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
