The Cincinnati Bengals start off our countdown of this year's best defenses.

When Mike Zimmer left the Bengals after 2013, he left the second best defense based on Adjusted Defensive NEP. Last year, the Bengals regressed down to 12th place in this category without Zimmer leading the defense.

However, the transition without Zimmer has been smoother than anticipated. A big reason for that regression was the loss of Geno Atkins. This year, Atkins returned to form with 11 sacks (tied for most amongst defensive tackles), and the Bengals rose to finish the year 10th in Adjusted Defensive NEP.

Atkins' presence helped fortify the Bengals' defensive line rotation with he and  Carlos Dunlap (13.5 sacks) among others who led the front of the defense. With Reggie Nelson (tied for the league lead in interceptions) anchoring the back end of the defense at safety, the Bengals finished third in interceptions (21).

The Bengals ranked 15th in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP (54.29) and 16th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP (-2.94).

The defense finished the regular season with a 30.10 Adjusted Defensive NEP and check in at 10th in our countdown of this year's best defenses.