When people think of the Cincinnati Bengals, it's obvious Joe Burrow and the offense are what first come to mind.

But, that may change after Thursday night's win over the Miami Dolphins.

Instead of the offensive powerhouse many assumed they'd be, the Bengals have taken on a defensive identity early in the season. Coming into the game, the defense allowed just 55 points, which tied the Minnesota Vikings for the ninth-fewest points in the NFL. It's clear the defense carried this team through the first three weeks of the season if you've watched the games.

And while the Bengals offense had a good night against the Dolphins, it was the defense, again, that not only helped the Bengals maintain a lead for most of the game, but played a huge role in the win.

“I’ve got a lot of faith in our defense," head coach Zac Taylor said after the game. "… We know that when need them to step up, they’re going to do it. Whether that’s putting pressure on the quarterback, being tight in coverage, creating those turnovers they did — that’s a really explosive team. They put you in a lot of different tough spots.

"I thought we did a great job with bending, not breaking. Even the play that we gave up down the field, Chido (Chidobe Awuzie) had excellent coverage. He’s right there, and they just made a play. That’s going to happen when they have (great) players like that. I’m just really proud of the way that the guys kept responding and were able to help us pull it out.”

Lou Anarumo's unit held the NFL's ninth-best scoring offense to just 15 points while simultaneously amassing two interceptions, 1.0 sack, 4.0 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and five pass deflections.

And a blocked kick. We have to give the special teams unit credit for that one, though.

I digress.

Getting back on track – it wasn't just the final stat line that impressed the most. It was the Bengals defense's ability to rise up during critical moments of the game.

Von Bell's two interceptions are what highlighted the night and honestly, his 46-yard return into Dolphins territory was just as big as the interceptions. Then there was Josh Tupou's sack of Tua Tagovailoa -yes, that sack, unfortunately- that set up the blocked field goal.

And we can't forget cornerback Mike Hilton's big third down tackle on tight end Mike Gesicki and linebacker Logan Wilson's stuff on 3rd and 1.

“Huge," said Taylor when asked about Bell and the defense's performance. "Vonn’s picks were big, and the return was even as big because it flipped the whole field there … And Logan Wilson on that third-and-one — I didn’t see that full play, but I saw him get up there in the hole, make that big stop and drive them backwards. That’s Logan. Those two guys came up big when their number was called.

"It could have been Vonn, Logan, Eli (Apple), Jessie (Bates III), Sam (Hubbard) — anybody on that defense steps up and makes plays, and we’re not shocked by it. So, just thought they responded in the right way as a whole.”

The key with all this? Well, it's the fact the Bengals know they have one of the NFL's best defenses.

"Man, our Bengals defense ain't nothing to be reckoned with, man," running back Joe Mixon said after the game. "We got guys out there that's playing hard football, [they 're] flying around, making plays and being very unselfish.

"… Our defense is doing a hell of a job. They're carrying us [and] getting stops. I look forward to what they're going to do in the near future."

Eventually, the offense will find the consistency needed to take pressure off the defense, but, on Thursday night, and in the near future, it's clear the Bengals are just fine letting the defense do the talking.

Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK