PFF Lights Up Maualuga

[HoosierCat]

Mostly good stuff for the Bengals from PFF's review of the game, except for the notes on Rey Maualuga's game:

This was not a good day for the Cincinnati linebackers. Washington worked the middle of the field a lot (19 of RGIII’s 29 aimed passes went between the numbers), and the Bengals couldn’t keep track of crossing receivers, shut down routes up the seam, or prevent themselves missing tackles after catches had been made. Rookie Vontaze Burfict (0.2) and Vincent Rey (-1.2) didn’t exactly distinguish themselves, but it was Rey Maualuga (-6.2) that had the true nightmare in the middle. He allowed a catch on all seven passes into his coverage for 89 yards, and missed three tackles.

The Bengals had high hopes for the USC product, but he can’t continue to have games like this if he expects to hold on to the middle linebacker job. He struggled to recognize crossing routes quickly enough, and wasn’t able to live with players like Fred Davis on deeper routes down the field.

Could Muck really be that much worse? I don't see how the Bengals have much to lose by trying.

[COB]

Could Muck really be that much worse?

Forget Muck, we're fast approaching a post in here that will utilize the phrase, "my dead granny."

[volcom69]

Mostly good stuff for the Bengals from PFF's review of the game, except for the notes on Rey Maualuga's game:

This was not a good day for the Cincinnati linebackers. Washington worked the middle of the field a lot (19 of RGIII’s 29 aimed passes went between the numbers), and the Bengals couldn’t keep track of crossing receivers, shut down routes up the seam, or prevent themselves missing tackles after catches had been made. Rookie Vontaze Burfict (0.2) and Vincent Rey (-1.2) didn’t exactly distinguish themselves, but it was Rey Maualuga (-6.2) that had the true nightmare in the middle. He allowed a catch on all seven passes into his coverage for 89 yards, and missed three tackles.

The Bengals had high hopes for the USC product, but he can’t continue to have games like this if he expects to hold on to the middle linebacker job. He struggled to recognize crossing routes quickly enough, and wasn’t able to live with players like Fred Davis on deeper routes down the field.

Could Muck really be that much worse? I don't see how the Bengals have much to lose by trying.

It's not just this game it's every week, and it shows in the running game as well. Each week guys are so open in the middle of the field it's like he plays scarred to get hurt again. I didn't think Burfict was horrible he is still new so I give him time, same with Vinny Rey.

[Earendil]

Could Muck really be that much worse?

Forget Muck, we're fast approaching a post in here that will utilize the phrase, "my dead granny."

Too late, I did that last week.

[TJJackson]

Forget Muck, we're fast approaching a post in here that will utilize the phrase, "my dead granny."

I was gonna restrain myself, actually :-)

[ArmyBengal]

Made these same comments in the game thread.

Maualuga has become quite the liability for the defense. It's not just this game or another this season either.

This goes back to when he first got his shot on the outside. He doesn't react well, doesn't shed blocks, can't cover or see a play develop even if it developes right in front of him. He rarely takes the correct angle on plays and is regularly seen chasing a play down, only to catch up and deliver a shot when the guys has already been tackled.

I agree that Muck couldn't be that much worse. The thought was he was 2nd to Maualuga at the spot until Burfict came on strong. Now that Burfict is on the outside, he would have to be considered for that. How much longer can they allow Maualuga to be so totally ineffective in the middle ?? It's like they are playing with 10 people on defense.

[volcom69]

I remember in Reys first game his rookie year against the broncos, he was flying around the ball making huge hits. I have to wonder if playing MLB, spitting out the plays, trying to be a leader, is all too much for him. Something is not right he is not flying around to the ball, its almost like he is thinking too much instead of just playing football. Maybe MLB is not right for him, maybe put him outside, and let him just fly around to the ball. He is not a MLB in this league and thats for sure, my only concern is that Marvin dosnt want to make a change.

Another thing is anybody noticing the LBs blitzing much i have not really followed how Zim is blitzing. It seems to me like the LBs are playing off the line alot, allowing TEs and RBs to run free. To me they are trying to play the bend dont break defense, which is not working because there defense is horrible in the redzone, not to mention still are horrible at tackling!

[ArmyBengal]

I think it really sucks for Maualuga, because there were great expectations for him this year.

All the reports of him working out at Ignition, getting ready for the season, and planning for a big year.

To this point, this reminds me of Rivers taking up MMA in attempts to get tougher.

That didn't end well and this hasn't either to this point.

A couple things stand out to me when thinking about Rey.

He always seems preoccupied with the success of the "other" USC LB's that have clearly managed to do far more than he has. Couple that with a weird offseason where he stated how Burfict was "so much further ahead" than he was and it just came off very odd.

With all of that, I guess this really shouldn't come as a suprise.

[ArmyBengal]

To me they are trying to play the bend dont break defense

I was going to mention this with the slight change of:

"Bend, break, but just not as much as the other guys" defense.

[kingwilly]

One more bad game and he's got to be sit down. They sat Mays down, now its probably Rey's turn.

[ArmyBengal]

Mays didn't do himself any favors yesterday either.

There was a play where between him and Jones, they raped that WR.

How that wasn't a PI call is beyond me. Mays didn't turn his head until the ball was well beyond the play.

[kingwilly]

Mays didn't do himself any favors yesterday either.

There was a play where between him and Jones, they raped that WR.

How that wasn't a PI call is beyond me. Mays didn't turn his head until the ball was well beyond the play.

It was an uncalled PI. Mays was guilty.

I said in the game thread at the time that May is simply a liability in the defensieve backfield and that they should consider bringing him up as a LB. He cannot suck any worse at LB than he does at SS.

[volcom69]

Ok so Cinci jungle had a defensive breakdown of the struggles yesterday and all I have to say is yuck. This whole defense not just Rey is horrible cant get off blocks, can't tackle, tripping over there own players it was disgusting. To tell you the truth I'm not really sure it's something that can be fixed, If they can't shed there blockers then I'm not really sure how to fix things. From what I just saw, MJD is going to run wild on this defense, and there is not much they can do. Oh and can I just say how bad Reggie Nelson looked missing tackles as well. I was going to give the defense some time to figure it out, but after seeing the break down I just hope there is something Zim can do. Maybe start benching these guys for not doing there jobs!

[HoosierCat]

If you want the D to improve, the guys to keep an eye on are Gilberry, Thompson, Still and Sims. Part of what we're seeing now is just how much excellent d-line play in 2011 covered up for the rest of the defense's weaknesses. We need the first three guys to step up, and Sims to get back in the game.

I took a quick look at tackles and sacks this afternoon, just as a rough measure of productivity. The five core guys -- Dunlap, Geathrs, Atkins, Peko and MJ -- have been just as productive this year as last year. In 2011 they had a combined 44 tackles and sacks through the first three games. This year they have 42. Rucker, Fanene and Sims had a combined 27 tackles and sacks in the first three games of 2011. This year, Gilberry, Anderson, Thompson and Still have a combined 7 tackles.

Moch may be able to contribute here once he's back (if they don't want to use him at LB) and Sims getting back would also help.

[volcom69]

If you want the D to improve, the guys to keep an eye on are Gilberry, Thompson, Still and Sims. Part of what we're seeing now is just how much excellent d-line play in 2011 covered up for the rest of the defense's weaknesses. We need the first three guys to step up, and Sims to get back in the game.

I took a quick look at tackles and sacks this afternoon, just as a rough measure of productivity. The five core guys -- Dunlap, Geathrs, Atkins, Peko and MJ -- have been just as productive this year as last year. In 2011 they had a combined 44 tackles and sacks through the first three games. This year they have 42. Rucker, Fanene and Sims had a combined 27 tackles and sacks in the first three games of 2011. This year, Gilberry, Anderson, Thompson and Still have a combined 7 tackles.

Moch may be able to contribute here once he's back (if they don't want to use him at LB) and Sims getting back would also help.

I'll keep my eye on Gilberry who had a couple pressurs yesterday after just signing. If can get back to his 7 sack season he had in 2010 for the chiefs as a rotation guy that will be huge. Moch can be a situational pass rusher. They need Sims bad for there run support I hate seeing these guys get pushed backwards and the linebackers not getting off blocks or in the right gap.

[wpeldios]

I still think Rey should be moved to slb to split snaps with other Rey. Burfict in the middle with Muckleroy, and Lawson as WLB with Skuta. Clearly a change needs to be made and you hope that helps the defense in the long run. The concern becomes, does Burfict know enough to make the calls or can someone else pick up the slack in that department.

[membengal]

I am gonna need someone to hobble mauluga. Kathy bates in Misery style.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I am gonna need someone to hobble mauluga. Kathy bates in Misery style.

With the way he's been playing I thought someone already did that.

[volcom69]

One more bad game and he's got to be sit down. They sat Mays down, now its probably Rey's turn.

He didn't sit long he played over 40 snaps yesterday, so not sure if he is starting again or not.

To tell you the truth the outside pass coverage had been ok, It's more of the middle of the field is the problem. It seems every week there is somebody new starting. Wish they were more consistant.

[ArmyBengal]

Sure, the defense minus the front 4 have looked poor overall.

However, Rey is an abortion at MLB.

Yes, it's that bad.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Mostly good stuff for the Bengals from PFF's review of the game, except for the notes on Rey Maualuga's game:

This was not a good day for the Cincinnati linebackers. Washington worked the middle of the field a lot (19 of RGIII’s 29 aimed passes went between the numbers), and the Bengals couldn’t keep track of crossing receivers, shut down routes up the seam, or prevent themselves missing tackles after catches had been made. Rookie Vontaze Burfict (0.2) and Vincent Rey (-1.2) didn’t exactly distinguish themselves, but it was Rey Maualuga (-6.2) that had the true nightmare in the middle. He allowed a catch on all seven passes into his coverage for 89 yards, and missed three tackles.

The Bengals had high hopes for the USC product, but he can’t continue to have games like this if he expects to hold on to the middle linebacker job. He struggled to recognize crossing routes quickly enough, and wasn’t able to live with players like Fred Davis on deeper routes down the field.

Could Muck really be that much worse? I don't see how the Bengals have much to lose by trying.

The Dolphins did the same thing today, and I kept seeing Lawson and #58 running behind people.

Whatever, nothing's going to change this year at this point, they didn't do enough in the off-season as usual.

[cincy9275]

Mostly good stuff for the Bengals from PFF's review of the game, except for the notes on Rey Maualuga's game:

This was not a good day for the Cincinnati linebackers. Washington worked the middle of the field a lot (19 of RGIII’s 29 aimed passes went between the numbers), and the Bengals couldn’t keep track of crossing receivers, shut down routes up the seam, or prevent themselves missing tackles after catches had been made. Rookie Vontaze Burfict (0.2) and Vincent Rey (-1.2) didn’t exactly distinguish themselves, but it was Rey Maualuga (-6.2) that had the true nightmare in the middle. He allowed a catch on all seven passes into his coverage for 89 yards, and missed three tackles.

The Bengals had high hopes for the USC product, but he can’t continue to have games like this if he expects to hold on to the middle linebacker job. He struggled to recognize crossing routes quickly enough, and wasn’t able to live with players like Fred Davis on deeper routes down the field.

Could Muck really be that much worse? I don't see how the Bengals have much to lose by trying.

The Dolphins did the same thing today, and I kept seeing Lawson and #58 running behind people.

Whatever, nothing's going to change this year at this point, they didn't do enough in the off-season as usual.

i agree rey and lawson are terrible, teams are attacking them. not taking anything away from burfict. when a undrafted rookie is your best lb. you are in some trouble.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Mostly good stuff for the Bengals from PFF's review of the game, except for the notes on Rey Maualuga's game:

This was not a good day for the Cincinnati linebackers. Washington worked the middle of the field a lot (19 of RGIII’s 29 aimed passes went between the numbers), and the Bengals couldn’t keep track of crossing receivers, shut down routes up the seam, or prevent themselves missing tackles after catches had been made. Rookie Vontaze Burfict (0.2) and Vincent Rey (-1.2) didn’t exactly distinguish themselves, but it was Rey Maualuga (-6.2) that had the true nightmare in the middle. He allowed a catch on all seven passes into his coverage for 89 yards, and missed three tackles.

The Bengals had high hopes for the USC product, but he can’t continue to have games like this if he expects to hold on to the middle linebacker job. He struggled to recognize crossing routes quickly enough, and wasn’t able to live with players like Fred Davis on deeper routes down the field.

Could Muck really be that much worse? I don't see how the Bengals have much to lose by trying.

The Dolphins did the same thing today, and I kept seeing Lawson and #58 running behind people.

Whatever, nothing's going to change this year at this point, they didn't do enough in the off-season as usual.

i agree rey and lawson are terrible, teams are attacking them. not taking anything away from burfict. when a undrafted rookie is your best lb. you are in some trouble.

We're in trouble on both sides of the ball. Andy airing it out to A.J. all day long isn't going to work, even though my fantasy team would love to see that happen. We need a running game, linebackers, and cornerbacks who can play man coverage. Until then the Bengals ain't going far.

[glasgowbengal]

Why oh why, is #58 still on the field on obvious passing downs? He couldn't s**t over the middle. :frustrated:

[kingwilly]

Why oh why, is #58 still on the field on obvious passing downs? He couldn't s**t over the middle. :frustrated:

Rey could not cover a dead body with a king sized bed sheet.