Bengals Defense Still Dealing With Injuries: This Time On The Defensive Line And At Linebacker

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 8, 2010 1:17 PM EST in Injury

Heading into the ninth week of the regular season, the Bengals defense ranked 19th or worse across the board in terms of major statistical categories, ranging from the 23rd ranked rush defense, the 20th ranked pass defense, to allowing opponents to convert 41% or their third down conversions, which ranks 24th in the NFL. And when the offense is going three-and-out, forcing the defense out on the field for nearly a 2-1 time of possession ratio, Cincinnati's defense is going to struggle.

And quite frankly, injuries still pose a problem on the Bengals defense. Whereas before it was the secondary, now it's the defensive line.

Jonathan Fanene, last year's second-best pass rusher, is already out. Even though Antwan Odom, who led the team with eight quarterback sacks in 2009, is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy, a knee injury suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already had him in a knee brace and likely missing several weeks anyway. Frostee Rucker (knee) was limited during practice last week and listed as questionable while Tank Johnson (knee), also listed as questionable, missed all of last week's practices.

If neither Rucker or Johnson can go, then expect Michael Johnson and Pat Sims to get the start respectively.

On the linebacker front, weak-side outside linebacker Keith Rivers (foot) was limited during practice last week and could also miss tonight's game against the Steelers. Brandon Johnson would start in his place while rookie Roddrick Muckelroy (ankle) missed last week's practices.

The one good thing that came out of the infirmary tent from last week is that Johnathan Joseph, Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe, all listed as probable, fully practiced last week and are expected to play.

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Pat Sims

I’ve always liked this guy and thought he makes more plays than Tank. I realize that they feel he’s more of a “run stopping DT”, but they may be exactly what they need right now. I really hope that guys like Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap start making plays like they have the potential to.

by Anthony Cosenza on Nov 8, 2010 2:16 PM EST reply actions

Sims, right on

Thought this guy was better than Tank before they signed him. Atkins needs snaps over Geathers. If I were Zim I would turn Dunlap & MJ loose on every snap, especially Dunlap like he played in college. Crowd the line with LB’s and SS’s. Punch’em in the mouth.

by sofakingood on Nov 8, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Great minds think alike

I think they need to keep playing Dunlap and MJ as much as they can. They have FAR more potential of making a big play than Geathers et al. The coaches and Front Office get too stubborn about players and whether they’re ready or not. Sometimes you just have to give a guy the opportunity and good things will come of it. Either way, they’re going to need to blitz pretty much all night to have a chance in this game. They can’t rely on the front 4 alone, they need to at least hurry Ben and he’ll make a bad throw—it’s his MO.

by Anthony Cosenza on Nov 8, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions