Let’s Talk Defense

[Fan_in_Kettering]

The Cincinnati defense tackled beautifully today. I saw players out of position but those in position made nice form tackles, especially Nick Vigil. I didn’t see any of those missed tackles where a Cincinnati defensive player launches themselves at a player’s ankles and misses. Those drove me totes cray cray!

Teryl Austin also emphasized creating turnovers and this happened in a big way against the Colts. It’s hard to intercept a pass by Andrew Luck but Preston Brown did it expertly and what can I say about Clayton Fejedelem? He is a playmaker and a lot faster than I thought.

Okay, the pass rush wasn’t there except the occasional Carlos Dunlap sighting. This needs work badly but even if the defensive line could have gotten through, Andrew Luck got the ball out too fast. It’s the same reason why it’s so hard to sack Andy Dalton. Joe Flacco gets the ball out fast as well so pressuring him isn’t so easy either.

The Bengals’ run defense wasn’t bad at all — but against Baltimore it will have to be like an immovable wall.

Don’t worry about letting Andrew Luck complete the quick slants, etc. Teryl Austin had the Bengals’ safeties playing one- or two-deep to prevent Luck from going over the top.

All the ingredients for a shutdown defense are there.