Cincinnati Bengals: 3 bold predictions for Week 9 vs Browns

Bengals Bold Predictions – Defensive resurgence

After the first two years of the Lou Anarumo regime, what we were used to seeing, resurfaced against the Jets. Poor tackling, zero pass rush, a general lack of intensity, and discipline resulted in undoubtedly the worst defensive showing in three seasons.

This simply cannot happen again against the Browns. Cleveland is hurting at running back, receiver, and basically has half a quarterback, considering Baker Mayfield’s shoulder issue. Anything less than domination is, and should be, unacceptable. The Bengal defense is mostly healthy and loaded with a mix of experience, and up and coming talent.

The question now is, can Lou Anarumo and company get this defense motivated, and scheme a game plan that can shut down a Browns team, that despite their injury situation is still capable of beating anyone.

My sense is yes they can. This defense has been very good on the season, and they are stinging from the embarrassment against the Jets.

Perhaps in years past, without any true leaders, this defense would continue to dissolve like Frosty when the sun got too hot. I’m just not seeing it in 2021. I can’t see true leaders like Jessie Bates, Logan Wilson, and Mike Hilton allowing this unit to flounder as they did against the Jets.

Expect this unit to come out like mad dogs and get after the Browns offense early and often.