Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the Cincinnati Bengals offseason and what they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
15.5
Number of sacks produced in the past two seasons by defensive end Michael Johnson. If the Bengals aren’t willing to give Johnson the big bucks, he will quickly find work elsewhere; Minnesota and Philadelphia have been linked to the standout pass rusher in recent days. Johnson was a main fixture in a Cincy front seven that racked up 43 sacks this season. In today’s passing league, pressuring the quarterback is paramount, so the Bengals must find a way to hold on to the Georgia Tech product.
3
Number of receptions by A.J. Green in the Bengals’ loss to San Diego in the Wild Card Round. Green’s quiet day exposed the team’s reliance on the star receiver. A good portion of Andy Dalton’s 20 interceptions in 2013 (fifth most in the league) can be attributed to forcing passes to Green. If the Bengals were able to acquire a receiving threat to play on the other side of Green, their offense as a whole could be much more effective. Don’t be surprised if the Bengals do make some type of splash in free agency on a pass catcher; they have about $27.5 million free in cap room, according to Spotrac.com.
4
Number of fumbles lost by running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis since joining the team in 2012. While this number isn’t all that concerning at first glance, don’t forget that “The Law Firm” hadn’t fumbled in four seasons as a Patriot. Pair this uptick in fumbles with Green-Ellis’ lousy yards-per-carry average of 3.4; it’s looking like Giovani Bernard should be the main guy next year. However, after Green-Ellis and Bernard, the Bengals are frighteningly thin at running back, as no other player ran the ball more than eight times. Investing in a young guy in the draft or picking up a low-cost vet like Jonathan Dwyer would be a wise move.
29
Number of sacks allowed by the Cincinnati offensive line, third fewest in the league. Additionally, Pro Football Focus ranked the unit second overall. Much of that success has to do with free agent tackle Anthony Collins. Retaining Collins is right up there on the priority list with keeping Michael Johnson. However, it won’t be easy: the Redskins are expected to make a run at the talented lineman. While he wasn’t technically a starter last season, he was valuable coming off the bench and filling in at left or right tackle, and it would be a big loss for the Bengals if he signed elsewhere.
94
Difference in tackles between Vontaze Burfict and the Bengals’ second-leading tackler, Ray Maualuga. Burfict broke out in his sophomore season, leading the league with 171 tackles. However, after Burfict, the rest of the Cincy defense struggled with tackling, as evidenced by the unit’s poor showing in their Wild Card loss to the Chargers. With that plentiful amount of cap room, the Bengals may decide to go after yet another dreadlocked Patriot: Brandon Spikes. Not only is Spikes one of the game’s best run-stoppers, but he is also a sure tackler and a good leader. Pairing Burfict with a player like Spikes would strengthen the Bengals’ linebacking corps and benefit the defense as a whole.
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