Bengals' Mike Zimmer lead a defensive unit that could be scary-good in 2009

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 29, 2008 10:37 AM EST in Analysis

I think one of the most understated changes this season that's been largely ignored by everyone (including us), was the acquisition of defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer. Even though the Bengals finished the season with the league's 19th scoring defense, but 12th on total defense, they were, in many cases the primary reason for the Bengals .563 winning percentage in the second half of the season. Was the defense perfect? Hell no. In fact, their performances between playoff teams Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Indianapolis was terrible; however, we still have trouble largely blaming them when the Bengals offense goes three-and-out eight times against the Ravens (that's just one example). Were there strides that should be taken into the offseason, improved upon and granted for growth? Hell yes.

Opp.	Points	Yards	TO	1st Downs	3rd Conv	3-and-out
Jaguars	19	282	1	18	5/13	4
Eagles	13	391	4	16	3/18	5
Steelers	27	364	1	20	6/14	3
Ravens	34	451	0	20	8/17	2
Colts	35	334	1	20	4/8	1
Redskins	13	280	2	15	4/14	4
Browns	0	182	4	13	4/12	2
Chiefs	6	220	1	14	4/13	3

You'll note in games they won, that the defense largely limited the opposing offense's third-down conversions.

At times, it became evident that the defense was undermanned, with guys like David Jones and Jamar Fletcher, performing as well as they could, against the opposition's second and third wide receivers. It also showed that of the games we lost, the defense's depth was largely exposed because opposing offenses held onto the ball for long periods of time; we just couldn't rotate guys in with similar talent of the guys that started.

Schemes were more aggressive, ranging from (more) contact by the cornerbacks off the line of scrimmage, to bringing two to three blitzing linebackers and/or safeties. Even though the blitz didn't result in quarterback sacks, they were largely responsible for third down incomplete passes that forced opposing teams to punt.

That's the impressive part. Being the league's second-worst pass rushing defense, the Bengals still managed to be the league's 15th best pass defense. That means the secondary covered deep, and the linebackers (especially Dhani Jones) sat underneath. It means that while quarterbacks were given five seconds in the pocket, the passing defense did everything they could to limit passing gains.

I know as fans, you want to have the best in everything. So do I. In truth, the Bengals started rookies, moved a defensive tackle to end, and signed guys off the streets and the team's practice squad. It could have been so much worse. In a sense, the Bengals didn't have a lot of varsity players out there, and beat poor offenses down the stretch; if you can't beat up on the bad teams, then you have nothing to improve upon.

When guys like Keith Rivers, Marvin White, Johnathan Joseph, Robert Geathers, Frostee Rucker, and Corey Lynch return (you can add Dexter Jackson if you're so bold), along with role player acquisitions and further development through the draft, this team won't just be better, it could be just as scary good; just as it could be bitterly disappointing (that's the Bengals fan in me throwing a non-Kool Aid disclaimer).

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Scary-good D

Geez, I think I agree! But do I worry that I am just ‘drinking the kool-aid’ once again. The depth once the injured return, could be very good – think of the competition that training camp should provide. I don’t care who wins the starting spots, with players pushing for roster spots and playing time, they could have a very deep and experienced defense. Especially the backfield: J.Joe, Hall, Ndukwe, White, Hebert, Lynch, Crocker, Doss – not to mention the younger guys who are still question marks, but could develop.

I don’t know if Doss can still do it, but the possibility is there – certainly is not too old – he was great for Indy recently.

If they can fortify LB and DT, they could be just as you state – scary, dominant and deep.

by OnagerSRP on Dec 29, 2008 1:32 PM EST reply actions

"kool-aid"

Well, yesterday we termed it being “dumbasses”. :)

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 29, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions

no kool aid here

I’d like to see Crocker back, thats a no brainer. A full season of Keith Rivers will be a good, good thing. I hope Joseph stays healthy for a full season and learns to catch the football. I, personally, like Leon Hall…his middle name is Lastarnza or something like that. And Im bullish on Pat Sims/Peko.

If Geathers and Odom can get back to their career norms this D is at least middle of the pack.

But the first 3-4 draft picks almost need to be offensive linemen, and thats the maddening thing about dropping to #6. Andrews and Levi underwhelmed and neither might not be back. I like Collins, Williams and Whitworth.

by obc2 on Dec 29, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions

But the first 3-4 draft picks almost need to be offensive linemen, and thats the maddening thing about dropping to #6.

Andre Smith
Michael Oher
Eugene Monroe
Ciron Black
Baylor’s Jason Smith- who’s rising up the draftboards quickly here recently.

One of those guys will be available at 6, probably one of the first three, who are roughly one notch above the other two. Also not exactly chopped liver;

Oklahoma’s Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson
Arizona’s Eben Britten
Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung
Texas’ Adam Ulatowski
tOSU’s Alex Boone

To me, anyway, it doesn’t even have to be a tackle at all. Collins and Whit can probably bookend that position. No guard, even the abovementioned Robinson, is worth that high a pick, so a trade down might be in order.

At center, despite all the accolades for Alex Mack, I’m leaning towards Alabama’s Antoine Caldwell, mainly because of his SEC experience- versus Mack’s contending with a stout USC D once a year. That and Caldwell was named All American over Mack for ’08.

A trade for Chad ought to net us at least an extra 2nd rounder- where we could probably pick up both Herman Johnson, the LSU guard, as well as either Mack, Caldwell, or Arkansas’ Jonathan Luigs at center. This would free us up at the 6th pick overall to do something about our pass rush. My first choice would be Brian Orakpo from Texas, followed closely by Ga. Tech’s Michael Johnson. After that, I think there’s a fairly sizeable drop-off to USF’s George Selvie, Ole Miss’ Greg Hardy, and FSU’s Everette Brown. Also interesting at that spot, Wake’s LB, Aaron Curry, who may actually be a better prospect than USC’s Maulauga. I covet USC’s LB-sized, sprinter-fast Taylor Mays but we don’t really need a safety.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Dec 30, 2008 7:33 PM EST reply actions

Draft a MLB

Draft USC`s mlb,move jones to olb,keep jeanty,etc in the mix,resign crocker,draft a mid-round(4th/5th)pass rushing de-all of this will give the bengals d gamechangers at each level of defense.I guess I agree with IgnatiusJReilly Maybe we should interview for GM or scouting with Mike Brown,nah makes too much sense-lol

by tgam on Jan 1, 2009 1:20 PM EST reply actions