Today, the Bengals will announce the signing of one, Michael Myers. Here's his numbers via NFL.com
YEAR | TEAM | GAMES | TACKLES | SACKS |
1998 | Dallas | 16 | 15 | 3 |
1999 | Dallas | 6 | 8 | 0 |
2000 | Dallas | 13 | 34 | 0 |
2001 | Dallas | 16 | 54 | 3.5 |
2002 | Dallas | 16 | 35 | 1 |
2003 | Cleveland | 8 | 15 | 3 |
2004 | Cleveland | 16 | 33 | 1 |
2005 | Denver | 16 | 31 | 1 |
2006 | Denver | 16 | 57 | 2 |
TOTAL | 123 | 282 | 14.5 |
As we know, numbers for a defensive tackle are a tad bit over-rated (see Sam Adams). A big fatty on the defensive front has one objective... clog the line of scrimmage. It's hard to rank linemen because that's a position not dictated by numbers. From a Bengals perspective, holding up offensive linemen at the LOS has been a constant problem.
Myers' agent, Drew "next question" Rosenhaus, said of Myers:
John, blogger of Mile High Report, spoke well of Myers as a solid rotation guy calling him steady with a great work ethic. Let's reexamine the Bengals defensive tackle rotation.
Starters: Sam Adams, John Thornton
Backups: Domata Peko, Michael Myers
If needed: Bryan Robinson
I believe this signing will push defensive tackle backwards on the board. Rather than a need, a defensive tackle can be drafted to "groom". But do you pull the trigger if Alan Branch or Amobi Okoye fall to #18?
The two-year contract:
In other free agency news, Ed Hartwell landed in Cincinnati Thursday night and plans a physical and greeting sessions with the organization Friday. From appearances, assumptions and presumptions, it appears the Bengals will have Hartwell signed by this weekend.
Agent: Myers in fold [Bengals.com]
Bengals near deal with Myers [Enquirer]
Bengals land defensive tackle Myers [DDN]