Joe Haden

[*SHRacerX*]

(09-06-2017, 01:22 PM)bengalguy71 Wrote: As a Bengal fan I would love to see it, but my prediction is, during their first meeting, Mike Mitchell will hurt at least one Bengal and get away with it, and Burfict will get ejected and be done for the rest of the year.

Until this team stops letting these thugs get under their skin and stop shooting themselves in the foot, Thugsburgh will continue to dominate!

I just feel like this defense FINALLY has an answer to what Houston did both times in the playoffs, SD did in the playoffs, Indy did in the playoffs, and the steelers do every time we play them.  They will go maximum protection, stuff our front four, send out receivers downfield, and check it down to a RB for an easy 10 yard gain.  It goes run, run, dump pass and it was a slow but sure death every time.  Now, the Bengals have ends that can collapse from the edges to complement Geno pushing the pocket and providing pressure right up the middle.  We have always had a really good secondary, but they simply were asked to cover way too long and the (old and slow) LBs couldn't cover the check down.  Now, both the LB corps is faster and the rush ends finally have a rotation on extreme speed and power outside.

I have thought this to be the formula for ages, but we always were lacking in the LB speed and outside rush.  

No longer.  Flaccid will be the first to feel it.  He likes to hold the ball and chuck it deep.  I doubt he will survive with that game plan.  I imagine Harbaugh will try to take advantage of the absence of Burfict and pound the ball.