Bengals' Winners and Losers vs. Ravens

4 of 6

Winner: Emmanuel Lamur

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (59) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday was Emmanuel Lamur’s first meaningful action since the team’s 2012 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. The team has often spoke about Lamur’s potential and chose to stick with Lamur following his season-ending shoulder injury in last year’s preseason.

The move has paid off through one game as Lamur performed well against the Ravens. Lamur finished with a team-leading 11 tackles (five solo), one pass deflection, and one interception. His speed and coverage skills were clearly on display as Lamur makes the perfect compliment to defensive captain Vontaze Burfict and his hard hitting, downhill style. When Burfict left the game yesterday, with a concussion, towards the end of the first half, Lamur stepped up and into his role.

Lamur finished the game having played 87 of a possible 88 defensive snaps. He filled in for the unit’s captain and made arguably the defensive play of the day (just can’t stop watching it).

If Lamur continues to play at this level, the Bengals’ disadvantage at linebacker in recent years may turn to a strength. He’ll help the defense address its seeming inability to cover pass-catching tight ends and help eradicate any opposing offense’s hope that the Bengals possess a weak spot in the process. It’s only one game, but Lamur is off to an excellent start and so is this defense.