I am Loving the Speed

[SunsetBengal]

(06-17-2017, 11:10 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I keep praising the offense, but it is hard to overlook the defense.  

Improved pass rush with not one, but two speedy, strong DEs (Willis played a lot at LDE, so he can rotate with Dunlap as well, and Lawson).  Billings could be huge freeing up the rest of the front four.  Peko never was double teamed.  

Improved LB play with the replacement of aging slowpokes like Maualuga and Dansby with Minter and Vigil, plus a healthy Burfict.

The secondary gains WJIII and Shawn Williams in year 2 as the starter.  

Improved at every level, and they weren't bad down the stretch last year, finishing 8th in the league in points allowed.  I think they will be very improved this year.  They synergy provided by a better offense and better rushing attack will also improve the defense.  The Bengals were 20th in the NFL in Time of Possession last year, but still managed to finish 8th in points allowed.  If the defense is not on the field as long, they will likely give up fewer points. 

Forcing turnovers and winning field position battle should go a long way toward the offense gaining confidence in the OL.