Bengals Understand Defense Makes A Difference
By Emile Pierce
When Super Bowls are discussed, Bengals faithful are usually left out of the circle. The 1981 and 1988 seasons produced squads that gave competitive games. But, as of late, the Bengals haven’t stamped an invitation to the Big Dance. In 2015, the Denver Broncos won it all, with a smothering defense. Bengals brass has made it clear. They’ll do the same. Defense is still king.
With the draft selection of Andrew Billings, and his signing, the Bengals made another statement about the upcoming season. First-rounder William Jackson still remains unsigned. That situation won’t last long. Jackson has shown his abilities during Rookie Camp and OTAs. He’s destined to wear the Orange and Black.
What does it all mean? The Bengals are in the rough and ready AFC North. They play in a division that’s all about smash mouth football. If you get hit in the mouth, smile and give your best Arnold Schwarzenegger one-liner. Be sure to put emphasis on the accent.
Defense is the name of the game, when teams are seeking a championship. The Bengals won the North, with a stout defense and gutsy play calling on offense. Look for more of the same, as Cincinnati gets prepared for battle. Many Bengals backers lament the loss of Wallace Gilberry. His position will be filled by rotating Margus Hunt, Will Clarke and Marcus Hardison. Don’t forget about Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.
Johnson spoke about the defense becoming a dominant force, during a Hobson’s Choice podcast, via Cincinnati Bengals. Making the defense a feared entity has come up in discussions. The staff and players are making moves, to bring it to fruition.
"“We can be even better. We got a sour taste in our mouths about how things went. I think watching the playoffs and how those defenses performed, we feel like we’re just as good or better than them, and we can do just as good or better than they were, so it’s gonna be on us to make sure we take care of the mental side of everything.” More from Stripe HypeJackson Carman winning LG job isn’t a given after Bengals preseason openerHow to watch the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022Denzel Ward wants to flex on Bengals WRs in 2022Scouting the enemy: Bengals preseason opener chat with Raising ZonaBengals should place these 3 players on the trade block"
With that said, Karlos Dansby is still amazed. According to Dansby, the talent level of the defense is amazing. He’s focused on getting to the next level. The next step could be NRG Stadium.
At one point, Dansby was on a team going nowhere. Now, he views playing for the Bengals as a chance to redeem himself…possibly win a Super Bowl.
“I’ve been trying to lock in to that moment,” Dansby explained. “I want that moment back, and I think the Bengals give me the best opportunity to get that moment back.”
Do you still think the Bengals are playing around, when talking about the D? Ask Paul Guenther. Dwight Freeney made a visit to Cincinnati and left some nice impressions.