Overview
- Head Coach: Marvin Lewis
- Defensive Coordinator: Paul Guenther
- Defensive Back Coach: Mark Carrier
- Base Defense Scheme: 4-3
- Transactions: Terrance Newman left via Free Agency
- Draft Picks: CB Josh Shaw, S Derron Smith
Projected Starters
| CornerBack # 1: | Leon Hall | |
| CornerBack # 2: | Dre Kirkpatrick | |
| Strong Safety : | Reggie Nelson | |
| Free Safety : | George Iloka | |
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The Numbers
Total Fantasy Points Allowed to WR: 297.28 Average Fantasy Points Per game against to WR: 18.58 Total Receiving Touchdowns Allowed: 11 Total Receiving Yards Allowed:2,277 Average Receiving yards per game against: 142.31
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Strengths
The Bengals secondary lost veteran Terrence Newman this offseason, but this shouldn’t affect them in a huge way. Last season, this unit was very efficient despite a weak outing from the defensive line. This speaks volume if you ask me because this translates to quarterbacks having more time to pass the ball. Even though the defensive line struggled to get to the quarterback (NFL low 20 sacks), this secondary allowed the third fewest passing touchdowns (18). Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones will cover the outside, while Reggie Nelson and George Iloka take care of the safety position. Nelson is one of the better safeties in the league and the veteran should continue to hold the fort in the deep end. George Iloka has developed into a strong run defender but also grades out quite well in pass coverage which adds another dynamic into the secondary. Second year CB Darqueze Dennard could see an increased role this season. He didn’t play much last season, but has impressed this offseason and during training camp.
Weaknesses
The Bengals return a veteran defensive backfield with no real holes to plug early in the season. They have adequate depth at all positions with backups still being above replacement level players.
Overall Outlook
The Bengals have some easier matchups to start the season so they will definitely be a unit to avoid in the beginning of the year. I have faith in the consistency of this defensive backfield and think that Marvin Lewis has assembled a unit that he trusts and allows to make plays. If the pass rush from this front 7 improves then they should be able to improve even more on their already adequate numbers from 2014.
