derekshank Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 The Bengals offense started slowly, so this defense was forced to step up. We gained only 26 yards on our first 4 possession, no 1st downs, and continually gave the Panthers great field position. Our offense kept forcing our defense to go back on the field with very little rest. The Panthers had the ball for more than 17 minutes in the first half, and their average starting field position after our 1st 4 possesion was on the 40! Yet... we gave up only 7 points and 81 yards on those 4 Panther drives. Absolutely huge... very clutch.In the 2nd half, the Panthers didn't have a single possession that lasted even 3 minutes, had 4 straight punts, an INT, and a sack to end the game... and 0 points.I know it's only one game... but really that is 2 games in a row that our defense out-played the offense, and had we won against Tampa the way we should have, that would be 2 wins we could put squarely on the defense. We're in the top half of the league in scoring defense, and lately, despite all our injuries, we're playing with passion and fire. Perhaps we're finally starting to see the defense we've all been hoping for this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 The defense is definitely improving, but I'm not sold on it yet. When they stay technically sound, they look fine. Still, they have too many lapses, be they single plays or full drives, that need worked on.Granted, the lapse that comes to mind was the easy scoring drive for Carolina right after the Bengals had tied the game 7-7... but the defense was probably pooped at that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengalboomer7 Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 How the hell can you tell with so many new bodies on the field. One thing I've noticed is these players are sticking to thier assignments more. Case in point, that great tackle Robert Geathers had on Foster, pushing him out of bounds for a loss. Those are the kinds of cutback plays that have plagued the bengals all year(last year too)I've also seen a lot of improvement from the defensive line, and the dline makes the whole defense look better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CantStop85 Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 The only thing that's killed the Bengals D this year (besides injuries/suspensions) is the big play. We always seem to play good on D for a while then just give up one big play that really changes the game.However, the D-Line has looked really nice lately. Geathers and Justin with 6 sacks a piece, we're actually getting a pass rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 Arrived? Don't make me laugh. Oh wait. I just did.I'm as pleased as anyone with their performance yesterday, but let them have a solid season before we start saying they've "arrived". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 I wouldn't say they've arrived, but they've played well enough that I consider the wins against the Chiefs, Panthers, and even the Steelers to be courtesy of the defense. Still, most won't give the Bengals defense the respect it has earned due to the spectacular 2nd half meltdown against the Patriots, but a strong showing against the Falcons will go a long way towards erasing much of that memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi32 Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 I've been very impressed with the way the defense is holding down scoring. The Patriots game is the exception, but in that game, the offense was turning over the ball and giving Brady excellent field position (the same way Cincy beat Pittsburgh).In the other five games, the Bengals haven't allowed more than 20 points. You can win a lot of games like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agreen_112 Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 I'm feeling great about the defense right now. If our corners and safeties can get on the same page and stop blowing coverages for big pickups then I'll be very happy. The LB's are still weak but the way Brooks looked last week has shown us all a bit of light at the end of the tunnel (playoff run). Landon Johnson can'nt tackle or cover worth a crap, I'm starting to like Caleb Miller better. There was several run plays, a couple for 10+ yard gains, that Landon completely took himself out of the play by running straight into the FB or lead blocker. I mean it looked like he was trying to get blocked and then at the last second making an effort to rip off the blocker to make a tackle and completely wiff. He has to do a better job at getting around that block and filling the gap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BULLDOGG Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 They've improved, but they must get John Thornton off the field. He gets zero penetration playing against the left (weak side) guard every week and doesn't do much to occupy blockers. If you watch the tape, a lot of big runs up the middle are a product of his man getting to the LB or he himself knocking the MLB often times out of the play. Sam Adams has done exactly what he's supposed to do when he signed here. I would like to see more snaps for Peko and Shaun Smith, who played well IMO last year. Geathers and Smith are playing well as they've ever played, going into contract years. Robinson has also been steady if not spectacular. He just doesn't make enough plays. I think that both Johnson and Miller have been only average at outside linebackers. Johnson has made more plays, but has missed some tackles. His true value is on special teams. Miller has improved but is not enough of a playmaker to warrant starting. Brooks has displayed some potential and Simmons has been good when healthy. I hope to see A.J. Nicholson crack the rotation in the coming weeks. In the secondary, #40 has been a monster, both in coverage and against the run. Jackson makes a huge difference, too, and has shown he can be a playmaker. Kaesviharn has shown he can make a play and is underrated. I am a big fan of Jonathan Joseph and see many Pro Bowl seasons in the future for him. O'Neal, although banged up some, hasn't been the same as last year. James and Ratliff have disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 The defense gives up too many long drives still and seems to fold in 2-minute/hurry up scenarios.They were one bad pass by Delhomme Sunday from losing the game (Bengals' offensive woes aside) after letting the Panthers drive 70 yards in crunch time, and watching Tory James continue to give up big passing plays.They will have to play better this Sunday than they did last week if they want to win again. They will have to stop Dunn and score points.Make Vick beat you with his arm - it's average and anyone who says he's an elite passer is delusional - he had 4 TD's Sunday, but also 2 INT's and only 200 yards passing, and many of his throws were dink and dunk types or lucky long balls where Jenkins made a great catch in the end zone on a toss-up.Overrated is the name of the game for Vick and always has been. Hope the Bengals' put the Falcons in their place.Make Vick throw bad/shady passes and force him to make mistakes - he will if you put pressure on him and stop the running game - just like any other team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 I don't think the defense has "arrived", per say, but they have improved. The last two games the defense has basically kept them in the game and given the Bengals a chance to win, which is what you ask for at this point. It has been an instance of "bend, but don't break". In the Carolina game, the defense really only looked bad when they got burnt by Goings for the TD and that was just miscommunication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasher Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 Talk to me about the defense after we are 9-2 or so and our defense is holding every team under 100 yards rushing and ander 17 points per game.Then I might believe that our defense has arrived.I think our defense is currently playing OUT OF ITS FRIKKIN GOURD! Which is AWESOME. But, some very stern examinations await...VickBalti on the roadLT, Gates and CoNO on the roadDenver on the roadIndy on the roadPitt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekshank Posted October 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 The defense played flat out horrible against New England, and the run defense played poorly against Pittsburgh... but other than that, I'd say the defense has out-played the offense for the whole season.Even in the Pittsburgh game, the defense won that game for us. KC plays horrible on the road... but every time they've played at home they have played extremely good football... but we beat them soundly.I don't think it is too early to say that the defense is playing really well, and a lot of it has come with back-ups in the lineup. Get Dexter playing regularly, get Simmons and Jeanty back on the field... then you'll be looking at a defense that has "arrived."I'll agree that it's too early to get incredibly excited... but there is no way to get around how well they've played the last 2 weeks. If it continues against Atlanta, I won't hide my confidence in them any longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasher Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 The defense played flat out horrible against New England, and the run defense played poorly against Pittsburgh... but other than that, I'd say the defense has out-played the offense for the whole season.Even in the Pittsburgh game, the defense won that game for us. KC plays horrible on the road... but every time they've played at home they have played extremely good football... but we beat them soundly.I don't think it is too early to say that the defense is playing really well, and a lot of it has come with back-ups in the lineup. Get Dexter playing regularly, get Simmons and Jeanty back on the field... then you'll be looking at a defense that has "arrived."I'll agree that it's too early to get incredibly excited... but there is no way to get around how well they've played the last 2 weeks. If it continues against Atlanta, I won't hide my confidence in them any longer.Consistency, consistency, consistency!And don't tell me anything about the injuries! If we are to hold the defense up (and I definitely AGREE with you that the D has out played the O so far this year) then they have to be absolutely reliable week in and week out. End of story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalszoneBilly Posted October 24, 2006 Report Share Posted October 24, 2006 "Arrived?" Not quite IMHO, but improving play from the second/third stringers is a reason for optimism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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