 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BENGALS, BY MATT (BENGAL FAN) (Sept 28) |
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We're ranked 13th in the NFL
in offensive output, despite losing 5 fumbles in our own end against the Chargers. We're
one of the top run Ds in the NFL despite Tim Biakabutaka's 2 fluke runs. The scores don't
tell the whole story. If you use a lot of 3-4-5 WR sets,Warner will get himself killed
because he hasn't learned how to read a zone-blitz yet and he needs people in the
backfield to pick them up. ANALYSIS: Defense: We run a 3-4 defensive set, somewhat similar to the
one in Pittsburgh. But while Pittsburgh's scheme is a 2-gap system that has its defensive
line make reads and then react, we run a more aggressive 1-gap style where the D-line
pushes up field and occupies the O-line while the LBs make plays. At least 1 LB is
always blitzing, and it puts a lot of pressure on the QB to figure out which one and avoid
the pressure. The D-line is solid and has a good deal of depth, so it doesn't wear
out late in the game. The LB corp is young but loaded. Both ILBs---Brian Simmons and Takeo
Spikes---run sub 4.35 in the 40. They play most of the game without subs. Steve Foley, a
converted DE, platoons with Canute Curtis (who had an awesome preseason at LOLB)
while Adrian Ross and pass-rush specialist Reinard Wilson share time at ROLB. Atrell
Hawkins is solid at LCB, and Myron Bell is average at SS, but FS Greg Myers is a little
slow in pass coverage. Rookie Rodney Heath (used to play in the Indoor Football
League) starts at RCB. He seems to have all the talent but makes rookie mistakes that cost
us sometimes. Both CBs tend to leave a little too much cushion IMO. All in all, the Bengals are a very talented team that keeps making mental mistakes that cost them games. You can take your pick in the Tennessee game---Rod Jones' unneccessary holding call on a 60+ yard TD bomb to Darnay Scott, or Brian Milne's illegal shift on a 31 yard Corey Dillon run that would have allowed the Bengals to bleed the clock out. Both cost them a win over the Titans. Against the Chargers---5 fumbles in Bengal territory, Blake going out with a sprained shoulder at halftime. The TOs let the Chargers have a bunch of easy points and a blowout win. The Bengals movede ball all day against Carolina but mistakes in the red-zone cost them---3 missed FGs, 2 fluke big runs by Biakabutuka cost them. The talent is here in Cinci, but the Bengals have to quit beating themselves. |
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