Bengals Defense - 4-3 or Nickel Base?

[kevin]

(02-20-2024, 12:52 PM)Bengalbug Wrote: Curious, i recall seeing where the bengals, like most teams, run a nickel base most often.  Knowing the division we play in, does this make sense?  I like Logan Wilson and I think Pratt is an ok 2 down player.  But neither are that second level enforcer.  Knowing the impact Roquan Smith had on the Ravens, do the bengals need to look at a free agent sideline to sideline MLB?  Would this help our run defense?  I’m not throwing shade at Wilson or Pratt, but would we better served bringing in someone that is an enforcer?  We really don’t have that guy beyond the DL (Hendrickson).  

Lovonta David (34) and Wagner (33) are both older vets, but maybe they would want to join a team.  I personally believe the impact a player like that could bring would be well worth the investment.   Obviously there are younger options in Free Agency, but I’m not sold that committing long years and dollars into the Lb position is the best play for this team, this year.

Coach Taylor says use at least 5 DB's 80 % of the game.  So don't look for change in this.  A big DB almost the size of a LB would help as kind of a Monster Man Wild Card in the deck, that can cover a WR or TE, but come up and stuff run plays also.  Like a David Fulcher type. We had one in Bates Motel, but he got over priced in a salary cap where Bengals trying to keep Burrow, Chase and other players. I'm pretty sure they can come up with a safety that can flat out tackle running plays to be a LB/ DB tweener in a 4-2-5 defense.