The Cincinnati Bengals defense was abysmal last season in two important categories: They were 25th in points allowed per drive and dead last in explosive play rate. This traditionally has been the hallmark for the men in stripes defensively under coordinator Lou Anarumo. The front office was determined to fortify the backend and safety position. The Bengals brought back old friend Vonn Bell who spent last season with the Carolina Panthers and signed Geno Stone from the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Anarumo was not pleased, to say the least in his unit’s effort in 2023. He spent most of the season shuffling players around in the secondary to find the best fit to save a sinking ship. The defensive line is also not absolved in this. They were consistently getting gashed against the run and this can’t happen in the best rushing division in the NFL. Let’s examine how the Bengals can improve defensively in 2024.
This Has to Improve for the Cincinnati Bengals’ Defense
Communication is Key
One of the most important qualities to success in the NFL is proper communication. This was severely lacking for the Bengals, especially in the secondary. Safety Dax Hill seemed out of place or late on deep shots in several games and big moments in 2023. This altered how aggressively Cincinnati could play the prevalent pass-happy teams in the AFC. Anarumo has since moved Hill to outside cornerback this offseason and recently noted, “There were some instances this spring where he probably didn’t do the right thing early on. By the end of spring, he was right on that same error. You are seeing that. You are seeing him get the concept of what we are trying to do with each call. There will be some growing pains, hopefully early, nothing that causes big plays, but the ball is in the air, go get it. That’s what a corner has to do.”
Rescue Me
The aforementioned veteran leadership from Bell and Stone and their importance shouldn’t be undervalued in the reorganization of the Bengals D. This duo has proven they can be effective players who go about their business as true professionals. They are here to be changemakers and role models for the rookies and second-year players such as Jordan Battle and DJ Turner. Cincinnati will count on the young players to listen and put words into action so they can play fast with no hesitation in the regular season.
No Excuses
The Bengals’ defensive ring leader isn’t tolerating any excuses moving forward. He won’t put up with “My Bad” as that solves nothing in the heat of the moment. The organization feels they have one of the best teams in the league with a healthy Joe Burrow. Windows in the NFL close fast though and the pressure will be on for this year’s squad. The defense must step up and help hold their own if the orange and black want to go the places the city of Cincinnati wants them to.
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