KEY TO DEFENSE

[*SHRacerX*]

(07-20-2023, 05:19 PM)Essex Johnson Wrote: No doubt with the lose of both our quality safeties in Bates and Bell how well Hill Scott and Battle will
Be a big key in having a solid defense

Sure, they are younger, but they are all (except Battle) faster than Bates and Bell.  I think Dax having a "red shirt" year was great.  He got little bits of play all over the field.  I think Lou knows exactly what he wants from those guys and if they continue to buy in, they will be very solid in the back end.

For me, the most exciting thing about the defense is the depth on the defensive line.  Sure, your starters are Hubbard, Reader, Hill, and Hendrickson, but just at DE, you have an ascending Ossai, first round pick Murphy, and then a battle royale for the final DE spot, but a hybrid like Sample or maybe even Gunter or Basham will be fighting to make the roster.  

The depth inside isn't as strong, but still solid with Tupou and Carter.  Carter really impressed me down the stretch and has reportedly added some more good weight and will push for more playing time.

The best defenses have insane depth and rotation to keep guys fresh and breathing fire every snap.  The Bengals took some huge strides to becoming a deeper, more-talented unit.

FWIW, I could also still see them bringing in a veteran 3T for a mid-tier dollar amount.  Another last-minute trade a la Billy Price?