So...

[*michaelsean*]

(11-27-2017, 10:05 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: Our defense is average.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is lying to themselves.

It is good enough to win games and, on occasion, the defense can take over games (especially if the pass rush can abuse bad tackles), but the coverage in the middle of the field is still trash (as it always has been) and our safeties are a lot worse than they get credit for.

Also, our rushing defense is atrocious. And we don't cause many turnovers...

The one thing keeping this defense alive is their strong red zone defense efficiency. It makes up for a lot of their deficiencies. Allowing 3 straight first downs on easy 8 yard passes to the tight end doesn't look so bad when, once they get to the red zone, the defense tightens up and only allows 3 points.

Bengals are 26th in the NFL in opponent red zone attempts per game (3.5 red zone attempts per game), but 1st in preventing touchdowns in the red zone (39.47%)
(https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/opponent-red-zone-scoring-attempts-per-game)

I just wish they'd prevent teams from getting to the red zone to begin with...

People think it's OK to give up a lot of yards if you don't give up too many points, but you are also giving up field position. Forcing  a three and out on the 25 can do wonders for your offense.