Have to fix 3rd down defense

[*SHRacerX*]

(09-17-2018, 11:36 AM)fredtoast Wrote: After 2 weeks our defense ranks 26th in yards allowed and 30th in first downs.  Even with multiple teams playing overtime games the Bengals defense is still dead last in plays ran by the opponent.

It all boils down to 3rd down conversions.  Overall our defense ranks 7th in yards per play allowed. (9th passing, 2nd rushing)  But we are dead last in the league in 3rd down conversion percentage.  We are the only team in the league allowed over fifty percent  (54%).

Our offense is 11th in yards per play, but only 6 teams have fewer offensive snaps than we do.

Got to work on our 3rd down defense.

I think these stats are the result of their desire to not give up "chunk" plays by being beat over the top.  While I understand this somewhat, especially in the Raven's game with such a lead, I believe that if you wait for today's QBs to miss a five or ten yard pass that leads to a tipped ball and, potentially, and INT that you will be waiting a long time. 

One other point about the two QBs we faced:  Luck goes 6'5" and Flacco goes 6'6".  Even with a pass rush in their face, they can still see down the field.  

I can't wait to see this defense with Burfict back if he comes back as the Burfict we know and love.  Fearing the first tackle he makes, though.