Pass Rush

[*ochocincos*]

(08-14-2017, 09:29 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Our pass rush will largely determine our season. We know that Dunlap and Atkins can get pressure. Will guys like Lawson,  Billings, and Willis be given a chance? Or will the Bengals keep playing aging veterans like MJ, Gilberry, Sims, and Thompson.

Our secondary has an aging Jones. Guys like Kirkpatrick are above average but not great. Iloka and Williams are good against the run, but not as good as Reggie Nelson against the pass. Then Dennard looks like a bust. William Jackson's play could be pretty critical to stabilize the secondary. If he struggles, our CB's may be in trouble as you need atleast 3 quality CB's in todays NFL.

At LB, Burfict is great. Minter is an upgrade to Maualuga...but kind of slow. I like Vigil's quickness. I'd say overall this group should be better than last year, but still deficient in pass coverage.

It's going to take a good pass rush to force turnovers and take QB's time away or they will find open receivers in the secondary and over the middle. On paper, our pass rush should be improved...but that's contingent on the coaches playing the good, young pass rushers...and not sticking with aging veterans who aren't carrying their weight.

I don't think I'd put Billings in on 3rd and long. My preference for that would be Gilberry or a youngster like Hardison or Williams (if any make the team). I think Lawson will be the favorite for pass rush on the outside over Willis, but Willis should (hopefully) get some opportunities occasionally when rushing Lawson from the LB position.

Also, you forgot to mention Shaw, who has proven to be a good 3rd CB and could also become a very good cover safety.