Bengals Coordinators On Opposite Sides Of The Escalator

By Scott Unger

It will be a tale of two sides for Cincinnati Bengals coordinators in 2009 after an ‘08 campaign that saw a much improved defense and an offense that continues to lack production.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is flying high after coaching a patchwork 12th ranked defense last year. Players returning from injury and offseason acquisitions will give Zimmer even more toys to play with.

On the flip side, this should be the year offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski fully submerges into hot water. Fans have been calling for Bratkowski’s head for several years but management continues to support the predictable coach. His tenure in Cincinnati and possibly his career will hinge on the strength of the Bengals running game.

Zimmer should have complete control of the defense after an impressive first season that saw the Bengals D move from 27th in 2007 to 12th in ‘08. Newly acquired talent defensive tackle Tank Johnson, safety Roy Williams, defensive end Michael Johnson and linebacker Rey Maualuga should provide Zimmer with a few more toys to tinker with. Zimmer has already indicated the defense will have a new look to accommodate his new talent, including playing three safety formations and possibly using a 3-4 defensive scheme.

The defense will continue to focus on stopping the run, a skill vital to the success of teams in the AFC North. It will also look to improve on last year’s dismal sack totals by focusing on getting to the quarterback during offseason work and rotating personnel based on situations.

Last year the Bengal’s ranked 21st against the run, while division foes the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens ranked second and third against the run. The additions of run stoppers Tank and Maualuga should help, along with the return of pass rushers Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom. Zimmer has indicated the team could play 3-4 defense in some schemes in order to stop the run.

The Bengal’s logged only 17 sacks in ‘08, the fewest since 1969. Zimmer told Bengal’s beat writer Geoff Hobson the team is working on various techniques to better get after opposing quarterbacks.

"A lot of it is our body and (the offensive line's) body position. When I went back and watched all of our stuff from last year," Zimmer said, "guys would rush and get punched right in the chest. And that's how you get stopped.”
"If you don't allow the offensive linemen to put his hands on our chest, you have a chance to win.”

Zimmer is committing time during Tuesday and Thursday practices to drills that focus solely on getting after the quarterback. The drills focus on hand technique and having a good first step. Newcomer Tank has already impressed his coach with his strong first step.

"The one thing you look for in a three technique," Zimmer said, "is first-step quickness. Where they can get the foot off the ground, get off (the line) when the ball is snapped. So far (Johnson’s) shown that really, really well."

Zimmer is a proven coach and expectations point to his defense improving upon last year’s strong effort. With improvement comes leeway for coaches, so Bengal fans should be ready for a season of new looks and continued aggressive play from the defense.

Offensively, Bratkowski better hope his image of the Bengal’s as a run first team comes to fruition or he may be out of a job come January. For year’s Brat has stubbornly called for a stronger running game to compete with perennial rushing teams Baltimore and Pittsburgh, even though the Bengal‘s clearly have stronger players in the passing game. Bratkowski believes a better rushing attack will only lead to more opportunities for the passing game.

So far, the signs are pointing up for the Bengal’s run game. The signing of former first round pick Cedric Benson solidifies the number one slot and the team picked up some intriguing complementary backs through trades and the draft.

Fans should look for Bratkowski to get the ball in Benson or another RB’s hands early and often in games to set the tone. The Bengal’s have been at their best in recent years when their RB gets 20 or more carries. Benson said he hopes Bratkowski makes him the focal point of the offense.

"I'm banking on us getting the foundation of our offense started on the ground," Benson said. "I think the OC will find a way to manage that and balance that to work to our advantage. I know it's depending on the weather, or how other guys come out to play, it might be a big day for me. There's no question I'm up for the challenge."

 So far, Benson has been stunning teammates with his play in early practices.

"I know it's going to be a huge year and people are going to be shocked," Palmer recently told Bengals.com. "I love the attitude (Benson) brings. The offensive line loves blocking for him, which is huge.”

"He just seems like he's more of complete back right now,” said former teammate Tank Johnson. “I think he's embracing what he has to do and he's doing it well."

Bratkowski will also look for quicker, lateral running back to spell Benson during long drives. 6th round draft choice Bernard Scott could fill that role if veteran Kenny Watson is not up to the challenge. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Scott needs to work on blocking, but he certainly has NFL talent.

"Very fleet," Lewis said. "He's got the skills and athleticism to be a fine, fine player.”

If Bratkowski can get his running game going, look for more big play opportunities such as flea flickers and bombs down the sideline. If the running game is troubling defenses, secondary’s will have a hard time covering Bengals receivers. However, if Benson gets injured or the line is ineffective at creating holes, it should be the last year Bratkowski calls the plays at Paul Brown Stadium.