State of the Team - Cincinnati Bengals
State of the Team – Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a familiar position this season. They are a promising offense with a more than questionable defense. Injuries certainly took their toll on the defense, but it also accentuates the complete lack of depth. The Bengals can score points, but their defense can’t stop anyone. They made a few signings to help but need to address some big holes in next month’s draft.
Coaching Changes
Mike Zimmer comes in as the Bengals new Defensive Coordinator and must decide between a 3-4 or 4-3. My guess is with the personnel he’s got, he’ll stick with the 4-3. "Most guys can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3," Zimmer said. "You're looking for a little bit of a different body type. It's not that much different. But if you don't have the right outside or inside linebackers, it's not worth it to change from a 4-3 to a 3-4." When Zimmer oversaw the Cowboys' conversion from the speedy, penetrating 4-3 to the more physical 3-4 defense a couple of years ago, the decision wasn't made until after the April draft, when Dallas picked defensive ends DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears in the first round and Chris Canty in the fourth round. There doesn't seem to be that type of player looming in the draft that would cause the Bengals to make the move, like the selection of Manny Lawson in the 2006 first round would have done. The task is complicated by the fact that Zimmer doesn't know the potential status of three of his linebackers, middle men Odell Thurman and Ahmad Brooks, and strong-side backer David Pollack.
2008 Team Needs
OLB – LB has been an area of concern for the Bengals for a couple years now. Pollack has not been able to play due to injury and Odell Thurman has been an off the field nightmare. Landon Johnson played well but he is in Carolina, now they need to replace him and get a more physical player to play at the other spot.
DE – The Bengals finished last in the league in sacks with only 22 and their pass defense struggled all year due to the inability to rush the quarterback. Justin Smith is gone and Robert Geathers is not a threat. The signing of Odom is a start in the right direction.
DT – Domata Peko is a solid run stopper but the Bengals could really use a more disruptive threat alongside him. The team lacks any reliable depth outside of Peko and must use multiple picks to concentrate on the D-line. Certainly a young, quick & powerful DT who can create an interior pass rush, collapse the pocket, and stop the run would help a team that was thrashed by opposing running games last season.
FS - Madieu Williams, who was signed away by the Vikings, needs to be replaced and now can only be replaced by a rookie.
OT – With Levi Jones and Willie Anderson injury risks, it was a must to franchise the versatile Stacy Andrews. They do still need to address the Dline at some point in the draft.
Possible Free Agent Solutions
The Bengals addressed a need at DE in FA with the signing of former Tennessee Titan Antwan Odom
Cincinnati has wanted a pass catching TE for a while now and inked Ben Utecht to a deal by offering him more money than Indy could match. He’ll be the receiving TE and Kelly will be the blocking TE.
Possible Draft Solutions:
The Bengals currently hold the Following picks…
9th (1st round)
46th (2nd round)
77th (3rd round)
In addition they have a 4th (108), 5th (137) & 6th (168).
With the 1st rounder, the Bengals fill a huge need in selecting LB Keith Rivers. They were targeting either Sedrick Ellis or Glenn Dorsey, but neither fall to them. Rivers fills the hole at the weakside spot, but can play all LB positions. He is extremely athletic and that is an understatement. He will make an impact on this defense from the gate. During blitz drills at the Senior Bowl, Rivers beat backs with a variety of moves, showing agility, technique, and explosive power. He could have come out last year and made some money, but he stayed in school and became a leader on and off the field.
In the 2nd round, the Bengals select Curtis Lofton. Again after targeting defensive line and Balmer and Campbell being gone, Cincinnati selects another player to immediately upgrade possibly their weakest position from last year. Lofton makes all the right reads, can play inside or outside, has great instincts, great speed and plays with tenacity and leverage. He is outstanding in coverage for a LB as well as great in run support. He has instincts for the QB rush, the best LB from Oklahoma since Brian Bosworth. It will take him a little time to adapt to the physicality of the Pro level, but should be make for more than a solid Pro.
The third round selection for the Bengals is DE Jeremy Johnson. This guy is cut and will only get bigger. He has long arms and very athletic. He was injured in 2005 (tore ACL) and in 2006 (shoulder), but came on last season and really showed his potential. He is a smart player with great awareness. He is also a very hard worker and has a great upside. He will be a base end in Cincy’s 4-3. He’ll never blow people away or get double digit sacks, but will be a reliable player on the line that the Bengals definitely need.
Conclusion:
The Bengals always seem like a team on the verge of taking the next step. A myriad of reasons, from injuries to coaching to player attitude and team continuity can be blamed for not achieving their goals. One thing that is true is that they need to start winning now, or the questionable chemistry is only going to get worse and once again the Bengals will be starting from an all too familiar place, square one.
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State of the Team - Cincinnati Bengals
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