KEY TO DEFENSE

[kalibengal]

(07-21-2023, 09:07 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: 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?

I think a slight under radar thing to watch is how Zach Carter performs , the fact they didnt try and draft or sign anyone and how he bulked up to 300#. If he can provide anything close to what Larry O gave us on inside pass rush that will change alot of things on the D and coverage.