Why the Bengals had to Tag Justin Smith

[HairOnFire]

If the Bengals are willing to tag an essentially run defending DE like Justin, I see no reason why they wouldn't decide to keep both B-Rob and Thornton too.

Smith isn't essentially a run defender. I'll argue that even though he produced less sacks than Geathers managed playing fewer snaps, it was Smith who provided more consistent pass pressure. In my opinion his failings as a pass rusher seem limited to playing too high when he makes his turn towards the QB and an average closing burst. Combined, they doom Smith to being a close but no cigar type of pass rusher. But there isn't a player on the Bengals D-line who does a better job of timing the play or forcing the throw, and I'd guess that he'd also be ranked in the upper half of all NFL DE's in hurries or pressures.

[Stripes]

Diden't peko play both spots last year? where they wanted more beef then what JT have they puit him in his place? but if they wanted more movement put him in adams? it's how it seemed to me heh

As a backup in the rotation, he did play some time on Thornton's side... but were he to start, I don't think he'd be able to offer the same athleticism. He's better suited on the other side IMO.

[schweinhart]

If the Bengals are willing to tag an essentially run defending DE like Justin, I see no reason why they wouldn't decide to keep both B-Rob and Thornton too.

Smith isn't essentially a run defender. I'll argue that even though he produced less sacks than Geathers managed playing fewer snaps, it was Smith who provided more consistent pass pressure. In my opinion his failings as a pass rusher seem limited to playing too high when he makes his turn towards the QB and an average closing burst. Combined, they doom Smith to being a close but no cigar type of pass rusher. But there isn't a player on the Bengals D-line who does a better job of timing the play or forcing the throw, and I'd guess that he'd also be ranked in the upper half of all NFL DE's in hurries or pressures.

If pass rushers were washing machines, Smith would be a Maytag. Never breaks down and never stops working. Just the spin cycle last a little too long. He might be up there in hurries but I suspect if the hurries are timed, his would come later rather than sooner.

[Kazkal]

teams are going tag happy looks like franchising justin was the best choice