Bengals Defense: Possible Combinations and Formations

Oct 31, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (back) as defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) gets past Dolphins tackle Tyson Clabo (77) in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Last week I took a look at the offense, and some of the different formations and personnel groups that might be featured.  With Mike Zimmer now the head coach in Minnesota, Paul Gunther takes over a defensive unit that is ready to go.  Gunther will keep things somewhat similar but myself and others feel that we could see more blitzing to provide consistent pressure and to increase turnovers.  When contemplating any changes on defense one could argue that, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. Last year’s defense was very good once again finishing with 3rd in opponents yards allowed, 5th in points per game, and 3rd in opponents scoring efficiency.  Mike Zimmer was good at rotating his defensive lineman keeping them fresh and gaining better matchups against the offense. What I would like to see is a better rotation at linebacker and safety along with the rotation on the defensive line.  Here is a look at some possibilities to get excited about on defense.

Base 4-3

Defensive line – Dunlap, Peko, Atkins, Hunt

Linebacker – Lamur, Maualuga, Burfict

Defensive backs – Newman, Nelson, Iolka, Hall

4-3 Under:

Defensive line – Dunlap, Gillberry, Atkins, Hunt

Linebacker – WLB Vontaze Burfict, MLB Vinney Rey, SLB Emmanual Lamur

4-3 Over

Defensive Line: Dunlap, Thompson, Atkins, Gilberry

Linebacker: WLB Burfict, MLB Sean Porter, SLB Emmanul Lamur

4-6

Defensive Line: Dunlap, Geathers, Atkins, Gillberry

Linebacker: SLB Lamur, WLB Rey, MLB Burfict

Strong Saftey: Mays

Nickle

Defensive line: Dunlap, Gilberry, Atkins, Clark

Linebacker: WLB Burfict, SLB Lamur

Nickle Corner: Dennard

5-2

Defensive Line: Lamur, Dunlap, Still, Peko, Atkins, Gillberry

Linebacker: WLB Burfict, SLB Rey

Goalline:

Defensive line – Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Thompson, Domata Peko, Geno Atkins, Margus Hunt

Line backer – Vinney Ray, Vontaze Burfict, Ray Maualuga, Emmanual Lamur

Defensive Back – Leon Hall, Darqueze Dennard