Lawson vs. Dunlap

[BengalChris]

(09-30-2020, 09:32 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: To focus on what can be done NOW to improve the team on the field, one glaring opportunity to me is by giving more snaps to Carl Lawson and less to Carlos Dunlap.  Lawson seems to be on a mission to prove he is a three-down player.  He also looks like he spend the offseason getting even bigger and stronger while Dunlap got a spare tire (that's impressive given that he is 6'7").

I don't have the PFF access, other than what is free, but Lawson has been making more plays than anyone on the defensive line.  He currently has 3 sacks, and a forced fumble.  He is averaging around 56% of the snaps on defense.  His PFF rating in 2020 is 74.7.

Carlos Dunlap has zero sacks or forced fumbles, and played a whopping 82% of the snaps against Philly.  His PFF rating in 2020 is 49.6.

Despite my dig at Dunlap's body, I know he has been a perennial slow starter (more conditioning questions?) and I think it would actually help Dunlap if he lost some snaps to Lawson.  Not only is Lawson tearing it up, but Dunlap might be more effective with more rest.  And teams throw with the most efficiency (typically) on first down, and many teams throw on first down so not having your best pass rusher out there on first down is just stupid (at least our coaches are consistent).  Lawson has also shown he is serious about being a three down player and has done very well against the run.  

Thoughts?

You asked for thoughts.

I think and believe that Dunlap as been a stable, reliable DE for the Bengals and has anchored that position quite well.

9 tackles in a game for DE is a good day. That's a good day for any DL man.

I personally love the PDs at the line of scrimmage. When the ball is batted down immediately it denies the offense a chance to move the ball, no matter how great or open the intended receiver is.

I would, however, rotate Lawson, Dunlap and Hubbard throughout the game, giving each plenty of reps while keeping them rested. I believe you really need 3 good players at the position and the Bengals are fortunate to have 3.

Now, if you want to move someone and potentially improve the team, then I'd consider trading Ross for an OLman. I'd include a pick if I could get a starter, a real starter not a Taylor endorsed starter.