Bengals' Defense: The 'Eye Of The Tiger'

The Cincinnati Bengals have had countless problems on their defense over the years, whether it was the defensive line, cornerbacks, linebackers, or safeties.

This, however, is not the case anymore; the Bengals have concentrated heavily on defense the last few years in the draft and have built a sneaky-good defense.

At the top of this list is Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is known as a coach who doesn’t coddle his players.

Mike came to Cincinnati and, in his first year, his defense showed the reason he was hired.

Last year the Bengals suffered a lot of injuries and were depleted on both sides of the ball. With Palmer on the sideline, the Bengals defense was hung out to dry, and Ryan Fitzpatrick did nothing to help with all of his three and outs.

In spite of all this, Mike Zimmer got his players to play inspired defense.

The Bengals ended the season with three straight wins, in which they were led by their defense.

Mike Zimmer is going to have a much easier time this year. With Palmer back under center and with a mix of seasoned vets and extremely talented young players, the Bengals' defense could be on the verge of greatness. 

The Bengals hired former Ravens linebacker coach Jeff FitzGerald, who is known for developing great linebackers. 

I really like the Bengals coaches on the defensive side of the ball. FitzGerald and Zimmer run aggressive, hard-hitting defenses I wouldn’t expect anything less this year.  

The Bengals spent back to back first round picks on cornerbacks Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph  (J Jo). Both are solid cornerbacks, however, Hall has shone more because of constant nagging injuries to J Jo.

Hall was looking to step it up this season and move to the All-Pro level, while Joseph is just looking for his first full healthy season.

The Bengals have David Jones as their nickel corner and are expecting a better year from him this year with a year of experience under his belt.

The Bengals have hitters at the safety position with Ndukwe, Crocker, and Marvin White. The Bengals also added five-time Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams.

Williams is known for punishing opponents with his monster hits. He came into camp telling anyone who would listen that this team is going to hit. Roy brings a swagger to this defense that says we’re not only going to hit you, we’re going to hurt you.

The Bengals finally have depth at the linebacker position. In past years, the Bengals' lack of depth and unbelievable amount of injuries to the linebacking corps left them filling holes anyway they could.

This year, veteran Dhani Jones returns at MLB, Keith Rivers returns from injury to fill the "Will" spot, and hard hitting USC MLB Rey Maualuga will play at "Sam." 

The Bengals finally have depth behind their starters, including Darryl Blackstock, Brandon Johnson, Abdul Hodge, Rashad Jeanty, and Dan Skuta. Most likely not all of these linebackers will make the roster, but that is a nice problem to finally have.

The worst part of the Bengals last year was their defensive line, they had the second worst sack total in team history with 17. They could get little to no pressure on the opposing quarterback.

This year, they have a healthy Antwan Odom, who put on 30 pounds on the offseason while rehabbing his injured shoulder. The Bengals also acquired DL Tank Williams, who they are hoping can flourish returning to the 4-3 defensive system that he had his best years in.

The Bengals also drafted DE Michael Johnson in the third round of this year’s draft. Michael was relied upon heavily at Georgia Tech last year, tallying nine sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.

He stands at 6'7" and weighs 270 pounds.

The Bengals are hoping that with his speed, Tank’s push up the middle, and a healthy Antwan Odom, they can finally get to the quarterback.

The Bengals' defense is looking to "Restore the Roar" in 2009. Beating hated division rival Pittsburgh would go a long way in showing the fans of the Cincinnati Bengals that the defense truly has the "Eye of the Tiger."