By Sunday 
The Cincinnati Bengals may be underdogs heading into Week 5, but don’t tell that to Jordan Battle. The second-year safety is brimming with confidence — and he’s not afraid to let the world know it.
As the Bengals prepare to take on the red-hot Detroit Lions, Battle’s message to fans and critics alike is simple: don’t sleep on this defense.
Battle’s Bold Prediction
Speaking to reporters this week, Battle delivered one of the boldest quotes of the season — predicting that the Bengals’ defense will “rise to the occasion and shock everyone” against Detroit’s explosive offense.
“We’ve been putting in the work, and it’s all about being on the same page,” Battle said. “When people count you out, it just makes you want to prove them wrong even more.”
That fiery mentality has been spreading through the Bengals locker room all week — and it’s exactly the kind of edge Cincinnati needs to pull off an upset.
Bengals Focusing on Teamwork and Communication
This season hasn’t been easy for the Bengals’ defense. With star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined, much of the pressure has fallen on the defense to keep games close. But Battle insists the group is coming together at the right time.
“We know what they’re capable of, but we have our own strengths too,” he said. The safety emphasized that the team has spent the week fine-tuning coverage schemes and tightening communication across all levels of the defense.
That focus could be key against a Lions offense led by Jared Goff, who’s been in strong form this year.
The Underdog Mentality
Cincinnati thrives when their backs are against the wall — and Battle loves it that way. “When people count you out, it just fuels you,” he said, embodying the mindset that’s made this Bengals team so resilient in recent years.
The Lions might be flying high in the power rankings, but Battle’s belief in his squad’s ability to “shock the league” is exactly the kind of energy the Bengals need right now.
Eyes on Sunday
With kickoff just hours away, all eyes are on Jordan Battle and his defensive unit. The Bengals are hungry, focused, and carrying that underdog fire into one of the toughest matchups of their season.
If Battle’s words are any indication, Detroit might be in for a surprise.