Al Golden demanding versatility from DBs

[SunsetBengal]

He's asking every CB on the roster to play both slot and boundary, which is great for every CB to be completely familiar with the responsibilities of every role in a coverage scheme and understanding how they all work together as a unit.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/how-bengals-dc-al-golden-is-shaking-up-practices-already/ar-AA1F55Zb?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a5f291cbb2274b818312d18d835a00c1&ei=31

Quote:New Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden is adding a new wrinkle to the secondary this offseason.

That's already showing up at spring workouts, too, as cornerbacks coach Charles Burks puts Golden's overarching plan into action.

According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, every cornerback able to participate so far is working both the boundary positions and the slot.

"With a new scheme, you want those guys to understand the big picture of what and why it's being coached," Burks said, per Hobson. "Everybody in that room is going to have experience playing multiple positions. It's about building a defensive back, not a position."

That means guys like DJ Turner will get reps at both spots and even someone such as sophomore Josh Newton will get outside reps while projecting as a possible long-term replacement for Dax Hill.

Hill is the most notable, even though he's working back slower than most due to last year's injury. There's been some debate and speculation about where he might ultimately line up in the secondary, but he certainly has the versatility for both.

This time of year, though, helping players get more reps in a way that helps them be more versatile on the field can, if nothing else, prove useful in emergency situations.

[*Synric*]

That...and he probably hasn't decided who is playing where lol. Someone is going to start taking the majority of the slot reps on 1st team. Newton, Hill, or CTB.

[SunsetBengal]

(6 hours ago)Synric Wrote: That...and he probably hasn't decided who is playing where lol. Someone is going to start taking the majority of the slot reps on 1st team. Newton, Hill, or CTB.

It would be nice to see Newton carve out a role for himself as a starter. I ultimately see CTB remaining a boundary CB. Not only for his better speed, but because I don't view him as physical enough to thrive in the slot role. Hill will be interesting to see where he lands in Golden's secondary. Obviously we'd like him on the boundary, but I would also not mind seeing him playing deep Safety. Communications should be much more simplified under Golden than Anarumo, and I'd much rather see Hill with his 4.38 speed back there over Geno Stone with his 4.62..

[*PhilHos*]

Didn't Paul Guenther have a similar philosophy but with the whole defense?

[SunsetBengal]

(5 hours ago)PhilHos Wrote: Didn't Paul Guenther have a similar philosophy but with the whole defense?

Idk, Phil. Paulley G took over a strong, veteran defense where the roles were all pretty well clearly defined. There wasn't a whole lotta needing to see who fits best where, or any of that type of stuff.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(10 hours ago)SunsetBengal Wrote: He's asking every CB on the roster to play both slot and boundary, which is great for every CB to be completely familiar with the responsibilities of every role in a coverage scheme and understanding how they all work together as a unit.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/how-bengals-dc-al-golden-is-shaking-up-practices-already/ar-AA1F55Zb?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a5f291cbb2274b818312d18d835a00c1&ei=31

The thing about Mike Hilton was he was purely a Slot Corner so that would kind of hamper guys playing there so this does make sense and
you do want versatility from your Secondary. I like both DJ Turner and Fig Newton as young players at DB. Sounds like Dax isn't coming back
from the injury as fast as hoped which is a bit of a downer. I thought he would flourish in the Slot.

[Luvnit2]

It is a great idea. It also creates competition for every CB position, the best in camps becomes the starters. Who knows Newton may beat out out others at the slot?