What does our defense need to be #1?

[BlainThePain]

Marvin's Baltimore defense was built around Peter Boulware. You want a top 10 D, then we need that dominating pass rushing outside linebacker.

[BengalszoneBilly]

What does our defense need to be #1?

I say an offense that can keep them off the field.

I know that's not purely defense related, more of a total team solution.

[derekshank]

What does our defense need to be #1?

I say an offense that can keep them off the field.

I know that's not purely defense related, more of a total team solution.

It's a valid point, because the defense certainly carried this team several times throughout the season last year.

That said, I'm not sure the defense will improve statistically with a better offense - simply because the style of offense the Bengals had this season was about controlling the clock and winning TOP. The offense certainly needs to score more points if they want to win in the playoffs... but I don't know how much that will improve the defense statistically. In fact, I'd say if anything, it'll hurt.

[redsbengalsbucks]

What does our defense need to be #1?

I say an offense that can keep them off the field.

I know that's not purely defense related, more of a total team solution.

It's a valid point, because the defense certainly carried this team several times throughout the season last year.

That said, I'm not sure the defense will improve statistically with a better offense - simply because the style of offense the Bengals had this season was about controlling the clock and winning TOP. The offense certainly needs to score more points if they want to win in the playoffs... but I don't know how much that will improve the defense statistically. In fact, I'd say if anything, it'll hurt.

The first half of the season, the redzone production was at the top of the NFL teams. By the second half, it fell to the bottom dwellers #'s. The key is to stay Ball control, but put the ball in the endzone when you get close. I thought that the Offense did a great job helping keep the Defense off the feild for most of the games last year, at the tail end of the season though the O had quite alot of three and outs. Hopefully the resident Offensive genius (BRAT) can become less predictable and make more in game changes to his O game plan. If Brat can just get 6-7 points a game more out of the O, the defense should be, at the very least, better than last year.

[ArmyBengal]

OLB is also a question as well. How do they view Maualuga with his offseason issues ?? Do they consider a move to the inside ?? Can Brandon Johnson move to the other side ?? Is Jeanty coming back ?? The way I see this is, either way they go, I think OLB needs to be addressed. The only scenario I see that would keep them from drafting an OLB is if the coaching staff views Michael Johnson as a more capable OLB than DE and leaves him there exclusively. If you go after a guy like Graham in the 1st, should he still be there, he's also viewed as a tweener that could move to OLB. That would give them some flexibility, but who knows ??

Well, by Hobson's response a couple days ago, the OLB spot didn't look like something to be addressed. I wonder if that mindset would change should Jeanty sign on with the Dolphins ?? I think Jeanty leaving would change his opinion, unless (as I mentioned previously) they think Michael Johnson makes the move to that OLB spot. Hobson didn't think that was the case either, so it should be interesting. I'm still wondering how they get B. Johnson in the mix more often, because he's been more than solid.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rashad Jeanty had a disappointing year in 2009. In 2010 he may be headed elsewhere.

Jeanty visited the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel reports.

A Miami native, Jeanty played strongside linebacker in the Bengals' 4-3 defense, and the Dolphins would use him as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.

In his first three years in the league, from 2006 to 2008, Jeanty was usually a starter for the Bengals. But during the 2009 regular season, Jeanty started only one game, and he broke his leg in the Bengals' playoff game.

The Bengals tendered Jeanty, who wasn't drafted, at the original round level, which gives them the right to match any offer but means the Dolphins would not have to give up any compensation if they sign him and the Dolphins don't match it.

/>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/19/dolphins-host-rashad-jeanty/

[Kazkal]

I want the best D in tyhe NFL. What do we need? I'm trying to think of what the Bengals should target in the draft to get this D top notch. It seems they need more pressure from the DT position Jared Odrick could be good out of Penn St. I have a feeling about Brandon Graham. The question, (just so Pong doesn't bust my chops)is what position do you feel the bengals will target to get their defense better?

For them to be #1 next year they need to find a way NOT to play the Colts and the Saints....

Well even with older guys like Byrant,T.O & Chad would be to much for most teams DB's, on top of opening the draft to get more play makers in secondary and passrushers... I'd actually feel alot safer playing Saints & Colts...We'd have Better Defense Better Run game and a improved enough passing game to atleast give the Bengals a chance at winning.

[Kazkal]

Marvin's Baltimore defense was built around Peter Boulware. You want a top 10 D, then we need that dominating pass rushing outside linebacker.

That verywell could be what their Developing MJ to be with how they used him last season,They don't have to rush him because Maualuga is holding the position until he kicks inside...Though if they don't think it's MJ I'd love to see a SLB who can put his hand down on nickle packages....

They need better play from the Safety position. Ndukwe flashes at times and looks completely lost at others. I know he was a 7th round pick and we've gotten production out of him, but I would rather see him coming off the bench and not have to rely on him as a starter. I actually wouldn't mind seeing how Ratliff stacks up against him at the safety position. That aside, I think they still draft a Safety within the first two rounds as I think they need to get better there talent wise. A 1st round pick there wouldn't surprise me in the least.

Mays mays he's our man.

OLB is also a question as well. How do they view Maualuga with his offseason issues ?? Do they consider a move to the inside ?? Can Brandon Johnson move to the other side ?? Is Jeanty coming back ?? The way I see this is, either way they go, I think OLB needs to be addressed. The only scenario I see that would keep them from drafting an OLB is if the coaching staff views Michael Johnson as a more capable OLB than DE and leaves him there exclusively. If you go after a guy like Graham in the 1st should he still be there, he's also viewed as a tweener that could move to OLB. That would give them some flexibility, but who knows ??

Well hopefully Maualuga can keep himself out of trouble and still be the MLB of the future...As for SLB I wouldn't mind seeing them Extend Brandon for 3-4 Years then Drafting a new one when Rivers & Maualuga will be working on 2nd contracts...If not Brandon I also like the idea of moving MJ moving to OLB/Passrush end like they wanted Pollack to be some say he's to big but he gets 2 extra inch's

from his neck...If not him then draft one in mid rounds IMO...

I liked Morgan Trent at times last year and not so much at others. I think some CB depth with better talent would be a nice thing as well. I think the minute JJoe or Hall goes down, this defense takes a HUGE hit in the secondary and the talent level is a bigger drop off than it should be. So yeah, I think CB should be considered as well.

Well I was happy with Morgans Play I would be worried if Joe or Hall went down,So I wouldn't mind drafting another CB to develop just not to in the first couple of rounds.

[HoosierCat]

Gil Brandt seems to think th answer to this question is...

...DT Brian Pryce.

As a longtime resident of Camp DT, I couldn't possibly object. Still something of a luxury pick, though. But that's the Bengals for you: always ignoring needs on offense in favor of building the perfect D. Bastard sons of Marvin Lewis, indeed.