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Where O' Where Could The Defensive Pass Rush Be: Breaking Down Quarterback Sacks and Hits

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 19: Michael Johnson #93 and Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinatti Bengals sack quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on September 19 2010 in Cincinnati Ohio. The Bengals beat the Ravens 15-10.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

We spoke recently about the Bengals offensive line, during a post that talks about Andre Smith's path towards being more than a serviceable backup in the team's starting lineup. Hopefully, at least.

That being said, Cincinnati's pass rush is another area of concern. I would say that they're struggling, but sometimes they appear nonexistent.

However, just sacking the quarterback isn't the complete definition of a pass rush. For example, the most memorable this year is the constant pass rush on Baltimore's Joe Flacco, hitting the quarterback seven times, sacking him once, all in an effort to successfully cause enough of a panic that he'd make inadvisable throws which eventually led to four interceptions in the game. Guys like Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson, Robert Geathers, Rey Maualuga were just the front seven that rattled Flacco during the game.

Comparatively speaking, Carson Palmer is hit during an NFL game on average over six times. The Bengals defense is only averaging 4.5 hits on a quarterback per game.

Opponent Sacks Quarterback Hits
@ New England 0 2
Baltimore 1 8
@ Carolina 1 5
@ Cleveland 1 3

Much like he was in the preseason, Geno Atkins is probably the team's most productive pass rusher right now, having hit the opposing quarterback a team-high three times, while Frostee Rucker, second-most hits on the quarterback, is also the only defensive player on the front seven to actually register a full sack.

Opponent Sacks Quarterback Hits
Geno Atkins 0.5 3
Frostee Rucker 1 2
Chinedum Ndukwe 0 2
Pat Sims 0 2
Robert Geathers 0 2
Keith Rivers 1 1
Michael Johnson 0.5 1
Rey Maualuga 0 1
Tank Johnson 0 1
Leon Hall 0 1
Chris Crocker 0 1
Domata Peko 0 1

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Pass rush is easy to find.

Just watch when the Bengals’ offense is on the field, you won’t be able to miss it. :)

by Craig Conrad on Oct 5, 2010 2:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Just instruct the defense to score a few late hits

So they remember what it is like to nail the quarterback.

by LooseCannon on Oct 5, 2010 3:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Lets end the discussion now

Our season doesn’t hinge on CP 85 or TO or even Bratworst….its both O and D lines

by quickslant on Oct 5, 2010 5:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

+100

Bingo. This team has some weaknesses in the middle of the field. However, I think that they best players on those lines aren’t seeing enough playing time yet. On the offensive side, Roland is consistently being beat, so it seems like Andre Smith needs to be the starting RT, and on the defensive side of the ball, I think Atkins has earned some more playing time. Not to mention Odom is working his way out of the lineup (0 hits in 4 games is completely unacceptable) so it might be time to give our 2nd round pick more snaps or at least be replaced by Fanene when he finally gets healthy.

This is our year!

by Paul Cannon on Oct 5, 2010 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Give the Browns Credit...

I was really impressed by their O-line. Those guys seem to do everyhting well and are very underrated IMO. I think the pass rush will be decent. Its not going to be non-existent but its not going to be a force either. For the most part, besides or corners (who are friggin awesome) the D is comprised of solid guys. Alot of them have potential (m. Johnson, Dunlap, Rey) but none has really stepped up as a difference maker. Until one of those guys steps up the D will not take the next step into the elite level. They’ll be solid and overall good, but not a force. After Sunday its also painfully obvious that we need a coverage safety.

by Crew Jones on Oct 6, 2010 9:00 AM EDT reply actions  

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