The Cincinnati Bengals have a defense that has stepped up in massive moments over the last few years. From clutch interceptions at the beginning of the overtime period to a 98-yard fumble return to dispatch a divisional rival, the defense has been a massive part of the Bengals recent success. Some have argued that Joe Burrow has been carried by Lou Anarumo’s defensive schemes. While nothing is 100% one way or another, strong defense has been key in the seven postseason games over the last two years.
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One area where there needs to be improvement is the depth in the rotation on the defensive line. A former second-round pick is set to step up in a big way.
Zachary Carter Breakout Season Incoming
On most accounts, the Bengals pass rush was not quite up to par last year. Often, they were bailed out by strong linebacker and secondary play (yes, even Eli Apple at times). Even with a star edge rusher and a retained, solid defensive tackle, the Bengals just could not generate the pressure necessary to disrupt drives.
In total, the Cincinnati defense finished with just 30 sacks, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Given, they did play one less game than 30 other teams but unless they rattled Josh Allen to the tune of five sacks in that fateful Monday Night Football non-game, their place would remain. The frustrating part of it all is the fact that the Bengals generated 136 pressures, good for 16th, and had a pressure rate of 22.4%, 13th in the league.
They managed a 12.2% quarterback knockdown rate, good for fourth in the league. Again, they finished fourth-worst in the number of sacks forced. Finishing the job will be the key.
They used a first-round pick on edge rusher Myles Murphy but generating pressure from the interior will be important and Zachary Carter alongside B.J. Hill will have to lead the charge.
Nice rep for Zach Carter. He’s been impressive throughout camp and in the preseason pic.twitter.com/KiZvzlNRAu
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 21, 2023
Strong Offseason
Many reports in and around Cincinnati paint a picture of a bigger Carter.
As a rookie, Carter appeared in every game and recorded just 23 tackles, just one for loss, one quarterback hit, and half a sack at around 290 pounds. He came into camp this summer over 310 pounds having added muscle to his immense frame. The issue with his game last year was not physical, it was mental. It took him a while to get going as a rookie.
Down the stretch and into the playoffs, Carter got significantly better. If PFF ratings are your thing, Carter improved from a 49.6 pass-rush grade in his first 15 weeks to a 59.4 from Week 16 on. He did, however, end up as the highest-graded Bengal against the rush in that time with 75.8.
Now, Carter has a bit more meat to him and has been flashing in camp and in preseason games.
He’s gotten some run with the first-team defensive line both inside and outside. Admittedly, he was viewed as a larger defensive end coming out of Florida. When it comes to pass rush, he likely won’t be utilized as an edge rusher as frequently as he will be inside.
In the Bengals first preseason game, Carter did not play much but he flashed on the few opportunities he was allotted, most notably on the first drive where he got penetration and completely bottled up the Packers run.
He played a bit more against the Falcons in the second game. While he did record just two tackles, his off-the-box-score performance was a bit more impressive. He led the way with a 17.2% pass rush win rate. Additionally, he managed three quarterback pressures in just 26 pass rush snaps. Going into the game, he had a grand total of four pressures off of 189 pass-rush snaps.
Preseason pass rush win rates for Bengals DL (Min. 10 snaps):
1. Zach Carter – 17.2% (hello)
2. Raymond Johnson III – 17.1%
3. Domenique Davis – 15.8%
4. Joseph Ossai – 14.3%
5. Owen Carney – 5.6%
T6. Myles Murphy/Jay Tufele – 4.5%
8. Jeff Gunter – 4.3%— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) August 21, 2023
If there is any young defensive lineman who is earning more playing time, it’s Zachary Carter.
Keep the Stars Fresh
The Bengals have a legit pass-rush threat in Trey Hendrickson. Unfortunately, that’s it. Hendrickson is doubled and potentially held on every play because offensive lines can focus on him. D.J. Reader, as formidable as he is, has not been the biggest threat against the pass. The same can be said of Sam Hubbard. This defense is built superbly to stop the run but there is a clear deficiency in the pass rush.
Taking Hendrickson and Reader off the field is often a bad idea. However, if there is a legit second team, the first-team players can expend more energy going all-out because they know the team can afford a substitution.
Carter has taken a step forward in his development and will be given more opportunities. As he grows, he will be on the field to take over pass-rushing snaps to give Hill, Reader, Hendrickson, and Hubbard a breather. That, in turn, would allow for more opportunities for Carter. Having him lined up next to a fresher Hendrickson would allow him to fully take advantage of the offense’s desire to limit Hendrickson.
Taking a step in development not only helps Carter but it provides the rest of the unit the peace of mind that they are not all that there is.
A Zachary Carter breakout campaign would be massive for the Bengals defense. If Carter can become a legitimate threat and the drop-off at safety is not too great or not at all, Cincinnati will end up with a top-five defense.
Main Image: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
