5 toughest defenses on Bengals schedule in 2022
By Ty Robbins
2. New Orleans Saints
The storyline when the Bengals head down to the Bayou will be Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase headed back to the Big Easy but what kind of defense awaits them there?
Like Tampa Bay, the New Orleans Saints also made changes by promoting their defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to head coach. Having been running the defense for the last seven years, Allen knows the expectations and insights for his players.
Burrow will face another solid defensive secondary starting with three-time Pro-Bowler cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He had 19 passes defended in 2021, so Burrow will need to keep an eye on him. Tyrann Mathieu (Honey Badger), another three-time Pro-Bowler, was signed in free agency to strengthen the secondary. Burrow faced him twice last season when they played the Chiefs, so he is very familiar with him.
Every NFL team has someone to hold their defense together, and for the Saints, it’s seven-time Pro-Bowler defensive end Cameron Jordan. He is known for his run-stopping and pass-rushing abilities. Along with savvy defensive tackle David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport, this defense can pressure Burrow if the offensive line is not prepared.
It will be interesting to see how many Saints fans become temporary Bengal fans in this game due to their love for Burrow and Chase. The Saints may not have as much home-field advantage as they believe.