Is Eli Apple The Starting CB?

[*SHRacerX*]

(04-07-2022, 09:20 AM)KillerGoose Wrote:  Overall, they were 3rd out of 14. Out of the four teams that made the CCG, they were 3rd out of 4. Most of this data (including what I posted earlier) is quite skewed due to the low sample size, but it is all we have. Teams getting blown out in the first round throws in outliers that usually get normalized throughout the season. The Bengals were a slightly above average defense on a play-by-play basis but made the most of their opportunities for turnovers. I'm pretty sure they logged the most turnovers in the postseason. That was the biggest difference between postseason and regular season play. 

Yep, and turnovers were a huge part of it.  I would bet, however, that they were 3rd out of those remaining 4 teams by a very small margin.  Regardless, the 3rd out of 14 was the number I was looking for.  Thanks for researching.  That is a REALLY solid defense.  

And as to my earlier point, they really came together down the stretch.  Imagine if they had played that level for an entire season?  That is what I am looking forward to this year.  Maybe add a little help to the pass rush, depth at CB, and with an even more potent offense (Joe Burrow with protection?) they could be a top 5 unit despite the 3rd toughest schedule in 2022.