Andrew Billings needs to improve in 2018
The Cincinnati Bengals have a gaping hole next to defensive tackle Geno Atkins on the defensive line. Andrew Billings needs to improve in 2018.
The Cincinnati Bengals struggled to stop the run game last season in large part due to the position next to defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Cincinnati ranked seventh as early as 2015 in the league in rushing yards allowed but has failed to find someone to plug the hole in the middle next to Atkins. Losing Domata Peko proved problematic for the position and the Bengals need defensive tackle Andrew Billings to improve in 2018 if they are going to stop the run.
Billings started in seven games last season while playing in 15 but instead of being a solution, he was more of the problem. After only recording 13 tackles and zero sacks last year, he will have to significantly improve. Cincinnati brought in free agent Chris Baker on a one-year deal to compete for the job as well. Even second-year Ryan Glasgow proved more productive last season hauling in 22 tackles while only getting one start.
The Bengals gave up the second most yards per game to the rushing attack in 2017 allowing 131.1 yards per game. Part of that is due to linebacker depth which saw injuries last season but most of it is due to the hole next to Atkins in the middle. Atkins is still one of the top defensive tackles in the league when it comes to both run stuffing and pass rushing in the NFL, but he needs help from the other defensive tackle position to improve the defense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Atkins ranked as the second-best defensive tackle last season behind just Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald who was awarded defensive player of the year in 2017. Billings, on the other hand, ranked 117th among interior linemen in the same chart.
New defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has made changes to the schemes and looks of the defense this offseason. He looks to become more aggressive up front which also brings more blitz packages. Austin will have his work cut out for him but Billings will also have to improve if Cincinnati wants any chance at stopping the run.
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I wonder if Austin would be willing to kick a guy like defensive end Michael Johnson inside on some packages to try and relieve the pressure on Atkins. Johnson plays best getting after the passer, but if he can help slow down the bleed of the rushing attack, I don’t see why not. The Bengals have plenty of talent at defensive end and I could even see Carlos Dunlap kicking inside from time to time.