Five Bengals Who Will Be Vital on Two-Point Conversions

Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Miami Dolphins guard Dallas Thomas (63) and center Samson Satele (64) defend against Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Pat Sims (90) in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Sims

Arguably the Bengals with the biggest smile on his face since the NFL’s rule change is defensive tackle Pat Sims.  Stopping the opposing running game from the two-yard-line is no easy task, but things get much easier with a capable nose tackle.  Sims is exactly that kind of player.

Sims possesses the ideal size (6’2″, 310 pounds) and strength to disrupt the middle of the line and plug running lanes.  His height allows him to gain natural leverage against bigger interior linemen and drive them into the backfield.  Sims also has the ability to stand his ground, stack and shed in order to plug up running lanes.  And lastly, Sims has the quickness to also be disruptive.  Of note, Sims wouldn’t necessarily be a liability against the pass, or on screen plays.

Pat Sims is the type of player who plays the short-yardage game well.  He is a very capable run defender who will be in a heated camp battle this year trying to make the squad.  The team will only likely keep four players at the position and three spots are locked up (Geno Atkins, Brandon Thompson, Marcus Hardison).

Domata Peko has a large edge against Sims due to his leadership and locker room presence.  But if Sims proves himself to be substantially better against the run, the coaches’ preference for him over Peko in these crucial situations could help Sims come out on top.

Next: A Player to Lead the Way