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Cincinnati Bengals Team Defense

2008 Projection

Positives

Heading into last season the Bengals were poised to become one of the leagues better defenses. Unfortunately they were unable to take the next step. There were improvements in some categories. Sack totals increased as Robert Geathers became the first player in the Marvin Lewis era to record double digit sacks, and the overall run defense improved to middle of the pack. There were relatively few personnel changes over the off-season but the ones that were made worked to make the lineup younger, faster and the Bengals hope, hungrier. They used their first round pick on corner Leon Hall who received great marks from scouts both for his play and character. Fourth round pick Marvin White should provide some talented depth at safety. Surprisingly there were no major additions at LB which points to the clubs confidence in second year MLB Ahmad Brooks, an improving Caleb Miller and/or the possible return of '05 starter Odell Thurman who showed great promise before being suspended in '06. Landon Johnson emerged as a very dependable WLB last season when he replaced an injured Brian Simmons who was released over the off season.

Negatives

The Bengals defensive rebuilding process was set back in '06 by a combination of numerous injuries and/or suspensions to key players, and guys who failed to play up to their '05 status. Instead of improving, the Bengals regressed last season when their pass defense was tied for dead last allowing nearly 240 yards per game and they finished 30th in total yards allowed. In '05 Cincinnati allowed a lot of yards but made up for it by being one of the leagues premier big play defenses. Last season saw them plummet from a league best 44 takeaways all the way to just 31. Heading into '07 there are uncertainties at the linebacker positions, the secondary has become young at the corners and they loss of Kevin Kaesviharn leaves them thin at safety once again.

Outlook

On paper the Bengals haven't done much to improve themselves. They were quiet in free agency and the only rookie expected to see time right away is Leon Hall who will play in the nickel. That said, there is a lot of talent assembled here. If everyone remains healthy and stays out of trouble, this could be a very good unit. The problem being, it's hard to judge which way they are headed. If your scoring leans toward yardage and points allowed this is probably not where you want to be looking. On the other hand, even though their big play production dropped significantly last season, the Bengals still totaled a very solid 31 turnovers and a middle of the pack 35 sacks. If you are looking for big play production, consider Cincinnati a quality backup option with some upside.