Bengals Defensive Analysis

[vman1186]

Some Bengals fans have nothing better to do, so I wrote this. Tell me what you think.

Defensive Analysis

The defense has a new coordinator whose philosophy is more similar to that of head coach Marvin Lewis. He likes versatile players, and will look to use the 3-4 more often, although the 4-3 remains their base defense.

The group has a lot of solid starters like CBs Deltha O’Neil and Tory James, DE Justin Smith, and LB Brian Simmons, but lacks a big star to put them over the top. Perhaps one of the young players will fill that void. These include second year players FS Madieu Williams, DT Mathias Askew, DE Robert Geathers, LB Landon Johnson, CB Madieu Williams, and rookies LBs Odell Thurman and David Pollack.

Concerns include a lack of solid of a DE opposite Justin Smith and a lack of a strong safety. Look for DE Robert Geathers to push Duane Clemons for more playing time. He has reportedly bulked up in order to become more of an every down player. Also, expect Pollack to blitz off the edge, for he was a DE at Georgia.

As for their other concern area, veteran Kim Herring is the favorite to win the SS position. It looks like he has received a vote of confidence, based on the fact that the Bengals did not address the position at the draft. Lewis is adamant about playing safeties that can cover and tackle, and Herring will be counted on to do just that opposite Madieu Williams.

To help the run defense Lewis has revamped the line-backing core via the draft. It is promising, but lacks experience except for Brian Simmons. The return of injured Nate Webster would be a boost, although he could be cut before the start of the season. They also added a DT in Brian Robinson, who gives them another solid starter at one of their more questionable positions. DT Mathias Askew has a lot of upside, so he will be closely watched after an injury plagued rookie season.

With pro bowler Tory James (9 int), and second year player Keiwan Ratliff pushing the resurgent Deltha O’Neil for playing time, the pass defense is in good shape. Second year player Madieu Williams is a terrific ball hawking free safety too.

The key then, to the defense, and the Bengal’s season will be their ability to stop the run. Expect that facet of the defense to improve throughout the season as rookies LBs Thurman and Pollack gain experience, as well as second year LB Landon Johnson and DT Mathias Askew.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

While Madieu Williams did play FS, SS, and CB last seaon, he is pretty firmly set now at FS. I assume you meant CB Keiwan Ratliff...

[Kazkal]

overall good post besides the small glitch.

[Spain]

Watch the Marvin interveiw on the Bengals home site, he laughs when Hobson ask about a 3-4. Marvin is a base 4-3 guy. He also mentioned that a corner might go to Safety. The ? I have who is that corner that might go to safety Keiwan are myles for say. Other than that looks pretty good. I also agree that one of the biggest ? is can Geathers hold up to the run on the right side. If not he wont start and Clemmons will. IMHO

[jjakq27]

Here is the Enquirer's take on the defense so far...

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...SPT02/505260378

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Bengals get into position

Better run 'D,' more sacks aim of changes

By Mark Curnutte

Enquirer staff writer

THE SHUFFLIN' FRONT SEVEN

The Bengals are looking at a major realignment of their front seven on defense this season compared to the start of last season. An Enquirer projection:

Pos. 2005 / 2004

RDE Robert Geathers / Justin Smith

RDT John Thornton / Tony Williams

LDT Bryan Robinson / John Thornton

LDE Justin Smith / Duane Clemons

WLB Brian Simmons / Brian Simmons

MLB Landon Johnson / Nate Webster

SLB David Pollack / Kevin Hardy

While much of the focus remains on the high-scoring potential of the Bengals' offense, coaches are tweaking personnel packages on the other side of the ball that could improve the defense.

The defensive line, often criticized in recent seasons as the root cause of the team's poor run defense, has undergone a makeover during spring ball under the supervision of new coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

"It's trying to get guys into the positions they are best suited for," Bresnahan said after the on-field coaching session Wednesday.

"I don't like to say too much, because we're still in shorts (instead of pads), but they are already getting a good feel for each other."

Fifth-year end Justin Smith has shifted from the right to the left side, a move aimed at taking advantage of Smith's strength against the run and creating possible mismatches with right offensive tackles in the pass rush.

"(Michael) Strahan and those guys (sack leaders) are all left ends," Smith said.

Second-year end Robert Geathers is running with the first team at right end, where Geathers' speed and quickness figure to challenge bigger left offensive tackles.

"I'm going to work off my quickness and make them adjust to me," said Geathers, who has added 11 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame and now weighs 283.

Changes also have been made on the inside of the defensive line.

John Thornton has moved from left tackle - which often faces the brunt of the offensive run game - to right. Thornton should see fewer double-team blocking assignments and utilize his quickness better.

"I'm hoping for some one-on-one situations," said Thornton, who had three sacks among his 74 tackles.

Newcomer Bryan Robinson, who has played left tackle and left end, has been inserted at left tackle.

"It's the strong side of the offense," Robinson said of the left end of the defense. "They're going to run at me until they run at me three or four times and don't get anywhere. We're in a running division. This style of play suits me."

The Bengals, 26th in rush defense at 128.9 yards a game overall, were especially porous in six games against AFC North rivals Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Cincinnati allowed an average of 162.8 yards a game against the division, just 108.5 in the other 10 games.

They also had just 37 sacks, tied for ninth in the AFC. They have not had a player with double-digit sacks since Alfred Williams in 1992.

Smith and Geathers, not to mention rookie outside linebacker David Pollack, could have decent sack totals this season.

"Pollack is a good rusher. I'm sure Chuck is going to have a good package for him," Thornton said.

Robinson, who played for the Dolphins last season, likes what he has seen so far this spring from his new Bengals teammates.

"With John, and I've seen Justin since he came into the league, these are the type of players I like to play with," said Robinson, the lone outside unrestricted free agent signed this offseason by the Bengals.

The line's depth also has improved. Duane Clemons and Langston Moore, who started in 2004, should be effective in the rotation of big bodies up front.

[BengalszoneBilly]

The key then, to the defense, and the Bengal’s season will be their ability to stop the run. Expect that facet of the defense to improve throughout the season

I couldn't agree more. They had the key at times last year, then they'd lose the damn thing in the very next game. Drove me ape-s**t!

Newcomer Bryan Robinson, who has played left tackle and left end, has been inserted at left tackle.

"It's the strong side of the offense," Robinson said of the left end of the defense. "They're going to run at me until they run at me three or four times and don't get anywhere. We're in a running division. This style of play suits me."

Is it just me, or does everytime this new guy Robinson open his mouth, something positive comes out of it!

[Sox]

Is that article right?Geathers weighs 283 now?

If so,sounds like he added some beef to be stronger against the run.

[Kirkendall]

Nice post vman.

[Kirkendall]

Is it just me, or does everytime this new guy Robinson open his mouth, something positive comes out of it!

Yea, different eh? Players that actually want to play, win, and be apart of the Bengals. I haven't felt that good since winning all those beads at Mardi Gr..... nevermind.

[Kazkal]

Is it just me, or does everytime this new guy Robinson open his mouth, something positive comes out of it!

Yea, different eh? Players that actually want to play, win, and be apart of the Bengals. I haven't felt that good since winning all those beads at Mardi Gr..... nevermind.