Draft Spurs Competition on Defensive Line
by Jason Garrison on May 24, 2010 6:31 PM EDT
Email
PrintOne of the many benefits of having the fourth best defense in the NFL is you go into the NFL Draft not necessarily desperate to fill a position. Anybody you draft adds depth and gives the team a bright future. This year, the Bengals drafted defensive tackle Geno Atkins, defensive end Carlos Dunlap, Cornerback Brandon Ghee and linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy. The Bengals weren't really desperate for a defensive lineman, end, linebacker or cornerback but that doesn't mean that the guys they got in the draft won't make a big impact.
Hobson says that Atkins and Dunlap have added strength and quickness to the defensive line, but even though they look good, it doesn't mean that they'll push the veterans out of their positions.
There has been some buzz about how quick and strong the defensive line looks with the addition of the two draft picks, second-rounder Carlos Dunlap and fourth-rounder Geno Atkins. Both look to be primed, at some point, to pass-rush inside out of the nickel, but defensive line coach Jay Hayes is quick to remind people that his veterans aren’t going to be moved easily.
He’s already got some productive and active guys in there like and Jon Fanene, and when right end
Antwan O dom (Achilles) gets back on the field the Bengals like to move him inside, too, on passing downs.
The Bengals have done well at adding depth to an already solid group of guys. Last year the Bengals sacked the opposing quarterback 34 times. 34 sacks is good, much better than the 17 sacks they had in the 2008 season, but it isn't as good as it could be. Having Odom back, Michael Johnson being in his second season with a year under his belt and adding guys like Dunlap and Atkins to the mix could potentially put the Bengals defense in the upper 40's sack range as long as everybody stays healthy.
Coincidentally, the upper 40's sack range for a defense is also quarterback's worst nightmare range. It would be nice to know that the Bengals defense could replace Freddie Krueger in the dreams of Roethlisberger, Flacco and whatever quarterback will be helping the Browns lose this year. I see a new Michael Bay sequel in the works. I hope I get royalties.
9 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
How many can we actually keep on the Dline??
I think this is going to be where a very unpopular cut is going to happen. You have to figure that we need the 3 big DTs in SImms, Tank and Peko. Also Odom, MJ, Dunlap are locks. That leaves 2-3 spots for Geathers (whom I seem to be the only one that still likes him) Fanene, Atdkins, Rucker and Clinton Mcdonald.
I dont know how this plays out but if Geathers or Fanene get cut its going to turn some heads.
Fanene isn't going anywhere.
That man was the only one on the D-line that had any great production after Odom left and he finished with 6 sacks while only starting after the injury to Odom.
McDonald and Rucker get cut
Rucker has done little to date, and even though he is cheaper than Geathers, MB usually fufulls his end of contacts (unless a replacement and production warrant the cut.) Rucker did much less than Geathers last year, and Geathers is productive against the run, now they have passing down replacements. Atkins is a 4th round pick, and Weathersby is the only 4th rounder I can think of who didn’t make it to opening day (and he was shot.) Fanene has to be kept, as Hoit said. I think those three stay, Rucker is cut and McDonald spends another year on the Practice Squad.
In my opinion, the surprise cut will be Jeanty. There are multiple people on the roster could play the back-up outside role including MJ, Hodge, Jones (with Muckleroy in the middle) Muckleroy or even Geathers. Plus Jeanty may be available on the street, or an SLB who has too many years to make there team (someone like Vrabel.)
Who get's the Cut?
What I think is likely is Zimmster will be keeping the very best talent in a pool of Linemen, Ends and LBers. If he needs to call Michael Johnson a linebacker in order to “justify” keeping more ends, or whatever plays out, I’m totally behind that. Plus, having guys understand what everyone else around them is supposed to be doing can only make them a much better and cohesive unit. The added bonus is no one panics if a starter has to sit for a half, or couple of games. We be stacked!
I'm sick of Odom getting hurt...
He’s a free agent bust.. Flashes of greatness with constant disappointment by injury.. If he doesn’t stay healthy for all of next season I think it’s safe to say we need to move on from him..
???
I don’t think he’s a bust at all. Yes, he’s gotten banged up out there in the trenches but he’s a tough player overall. IF he doesn’t stay healthy then sure, you look for greener pastures, but for now, he’s a intrigal part of our team.
Brandon Ghee
Talked to a friend who saw Ghee play last year at Wake. In the game, he dished out some big hits causing two fumbles which impressed him. Though his interception total was low, it looks like he can really bring the wood which could mean some time at safety. Hopefully Ghee is a diamond in the rough.
Last Chance for Odom and Geathers???
While some people have chimed in that they believe that either Odom or Geathers could get cut this year, I really think that neither guy is going anywhere. THIS YEAR. However, the writing on the wall says that both guys need to perform at a high level in 2010 because guys like Fanene and Dunlap chomping at the bit to play a starters role.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Cincy Jungle
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
