Defense wins Championships

[Luvnit2]

(10-11-2017, 04:52 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Bengals limited by their offensive rankings.
19th in pass yards per game (227)
28th in rush yards per game (84)
23rd in total yards per game (311)
27th in points per game (16.8)

However, we should probably just consider the Lazor era only, which would be the last 3 games...
pass yards per game = 275.3
rush yards per game = 87
total yards per game = 362.3
points per game = 22.7 (I took out the points scored by the pick 6 against GB, so actually this number would be higher if going off pure PPG not just offensive PPG)

If we had those same averages across the entire season, the Bengals would be ranked....
PYPG = 5th
RYPG = 27th
TYPG = 9th
PPG = 14th

So yea, the running game definitely needs to get going but the passing game has improved a ton. Since Lazor became OC, the Bengals have had a top-10 aerial attack and middle-of-the-pack scoring. That's (much) better than I expected for this season with Zampese as OC. Worth mentioning too that these passing numbers are not inflated from the Bengals having to play catch-up either. They are while leading a vast majority during the last 3 games.

More stats to Date through Buffalo game
Defense is 16th most on the field for plays per game (middle of the pack)
YPG - 2nd (2 points per game behind Denver)
Yards per play - #1 in league at 4.2 YPP
Points (PPG) - tied for 2nd with Jags, Buffalo #1
T.O.P. - 20th This is an area an offense needs to help out. Obviously the lack of a good running game is not helping T.O.P.
3rd Down Efficiency - Tied for 6th at 36%

Everything so far points to a great defensive year, but as others have said and I agree, our run game has to get better. We also need for a #2 or #3 receiver to emerge after th bye week. On defense, it is very encouraging we added some speed with Lawson and Willis to go with Dunlap and Geno. Our DL rotation has been awesome so far. MJ's move to more snaps at the DT position proved his versatility and why he is an important role player on the team.

Also, don't forget, Burfict only played in 2 of the 5 games. 

I love our defense, I did after the draft and they have shown great improvement in 2017 versus 2016.

But again, to win in November and December, we have to figure out a way to run the ball. I am hopeful Ross can get healthy and play significant snaps producing big plays as the season rolls on. If so much like the Chiefs, the safeties will have no choice but to respect the speed of AJ and Ross and risky for them to crowd the L.O.S. to stop the run.