Some interesting stats

[Stripes]

We all know by now that the Bengals have given up fewer points through 11 games than every other team in the NFL. Here's some more good stuff I found tonight while rummaging around ESPN. I'm sure many of you are aware of many of these already, but whatever.

The Bengals lead the NFL in passes defensed. http://espn.go.com/n.../passesDefended

The longest run against the Bengals this season was 24 yards, the shortest such maximum in the league. http://espn.go.com/n...osition/defense

The Bengals rank last in the NFL in total solo tackles, but third in total assisted tackles (a nice indicator that the unit is incredibly disciplined and in sync). http://espn.go.com/n...ort/soloTackles

Offensively, things aren't so dire as they might have seemed the last two weeks (at least according to the most basic of numbers).

The passing game is 21st in yardage and 16th in average per attempt. Neither is impressive obviously, but nor are they alarming considering the players we field. http://espn.go.com/n...sPerPassAttempt

Even after two bad games, the Bengals are tied for 7th in sacks allowed. http://espn.go.com/n...cks/order/false

Interestingly, the three contenders in the AFC North are all bunched together among the average in yards per rush attempt despite being ranked much higher in total rush yardage. I figure that's because all three teams stop the run well and play each other frequently. http://espn.go.com/n...sPerRushAttempt

Less relevant, but I was surprised that another team has run the ball 27 more times than the Bengals (3rd in total rush attempts). The Mark Sanchez Factor. http://espn.go.com/n...rushingAttempts

[BengalByTheBay]

Cool post! The one that jumps out at me is that 24 yards is the longest run against the Bengals d. (probably that Ray Rice run(?) I'd guess they haven't made it 3 games into the season without giving up a longer run for the past 10 years or so. Telling stat.

If they can carry the run game and defense and maintain decent averages even against SD and Minn. (win or lose) then I do think we're looking at a potentially special playoff team that should scare almost anybody they play.

[HoosierCat]

While we're on the subject of stats, Football Outsiders explains why the Cincinnati Bengals make DVOA cry.

[volcom69]

Cool post! The one that jumps out at me is that 24 yards is the longest run against the Bengals d. (probably that Ray Rice run(?) I'd guess they haven't made it 3 games into the season without giving up a longer run for the past 10 years or so. Telling stat.

If they can carry the run game and defense and maintain decent averages even against SD and Minn. (win or lose) then I do think we're looking at a potentially special playoff team that should scare almost anybody they play.

Might have also been that Wille Parker run in the first match up, when Parker got to the outside. I think the Ray Rice was on a catch.

Only thing that bothers me this year is the passing game, imagine if that was as sharp as 05 with the running game they have now, that would be incredible. Im very happy with the defense they seem to be improving all year long, but now they will have some big test coming up. They need to play big against Minn. and San Diego if they cant shut them down pretty much i will be amazed. Only thing that worries me in those games is how much will they pick on Trent?

[BengalByTheBay]

Might have also been that Wille Parker run in the first match up, when Parker got to the outside. I think the Ray Rice was on a catch.

My bad -- I think you're right and it was a screen.

[semiotter]

Nice post. Very interesting stat info Bro.