Marvin Lewis and the Bengals Defense: No Success Without More Takeaways

by Jack Cassidy on Feb 6, 2012 5:00 PM EST

Defense was a key factor in the success of the 2011 Cincinnati Bengals, ranking in the top 10 in both yards and points allowed per game, and with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer returning, there is strong belief that the defense will be even better in 2012.

That is, if they can take the ball away.

Cincinnati had just 10 interceptions last season, 6th fewest in the NFL, which was 21 interceptions behind league leading Green Bay and only two ahead of the league's worst Minnesota Vikings with just eight picks. It was a problem clearly evident during the season--at one point prompting Zimmer to threaten benching players unless they forced more turnovers--and is now again being mentioned, this time by Marvin Lewis. Geoff Hobson writes that Lewis understands it takes a solid defense AND turnovers to get to the big game.

"If there's one thing we have to get ... figure out a way to create more. Teams that create the most turnovers play in [the Super Bowl]," Lewis said. "More recently we have declined (in interceptions) and we have to find out why. We play more man concepts. That is part of it. We started very good and then we hit a lull. You have to look at that but conceptually that's the difference."

The Cincinnati secondary played well last year, and the rankings reflect that sentiment. Still, there is no denying their susceptibility to a strong passing game, and had the Bengals played Green Bay, New Orleans and Detroit instead of Jacksonville, Indianapolis and St. Louis perhaps those rankings would not be so flattering. The 2005 Bengals defense perfectly exemplified the importance of turnovers as its league leading 31 interceptions transformed a below average defense (ranked near the bottom of the NFL in yards and points allowed per game) into a true threat and allowed a potent Carson Palmer led offense more opportunities to score.

The solution to the problem is not clear. It may take a healthy Leon Hall, it may take a new rookie defensive back, or it may even take a new defensive philosophy. But both Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis know that this problem must be immediately addressed so once again Cincinnati can have a truly threatening defense and allow a (hopefully) potent Andy Dalton led offense more opportunities to score.

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I agree Jack

I think we got a little lucky by not playing some of the premier passing teams….Pack, Saints ect….We did however play the Lions in the preseason and if anyone remembers….They put up two TDs in about 5 seconds…….This article says what we all know…….we need CB help…and the fact that we dont even know who our DB coach is going to be…..there are a lot of unknowns right now….but heres to a great offseason….WHODEY

"Mahmoud, Kim Jong, 86 ya sh__ bitches, or Ima do it fo ya"...Luther...Obama's anger translator

by ticalcaldwell on Feb 6, 2012 5:07 PM EST reply actions

The pash rush should create more oppertunities for INTS problem is guys playing safe all the time and never breaking on the ball

by Bengalsfan024 on Feb 6, 2012 5:15 PM EST reply actions

I think Marvin said it best. They played alot of man. I think alot of that was because they didnt want Crocker and Nelson to have to cover down field. With the pass rush as it is, they should play more zone, so they can generate more turnovers.

by EPK1979 on Feb 6, 2012 5:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions

The defense could use some more talent in the backfield, but i don’t think they need to completely change thier scheme. The offense needs to put up more points so the defense can take more chances. With a full offseason and upgrades to a few positions (i.e. RB, OG, CB, S) this team has a good future.

by 4bengals on Feb 6, 2012 7:16 PM EST reply actions