Power Rankings: Top 5 Post-Draft Defenses

Oct 6, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Geno Atkins (97) celebrates against the New England Patriots at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated New England 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals 11-5
Last Season’s Rankings: #3 Overall Defense (305.5 total yards per game allowed) #5 Passing Defense (209 passing yards per game allowed) #5 Rushing Offense (96.5 rushing yards per game allowed)

Had it not been for Andy Dalton’s mediocre performance in the wild-card round, the Bengals could have perhaps gone further in this year’s playoffs. Last year the Bengals defense ranked among tops in the league, ranking fifth in the NFL in both passing and rushing yards allowed. Where the Bengals were so dangerous last season was most definitely in their front seven, however through some off-season additions and draft selections, the Bengals have beefed up their secondary to legendary status. First though, let’s start with the front seven which was so successful last season.

For the Bengals, the front seven consisting of DE Carlos Dunlap, DT Domata Peko, DT Geno Atkins, DE Wallace Gilberry, DE Michael Johnson (now on the Buccaneers), OLB Vontaze Burfict, ILB Rey Maualuga and a multitude of other linebackers and defensive linemen was productive to say the least. The brightest spot for the Bengals would have to be OLB Vontaze Burfict who had an unreal season at the OLB position, recording an unheard-of 171 total tackles, three sacks, six passes defended and eight tackles for loss in total. As for the other players on the roster, the entire defensive line consisting of Dunlap, Peko, Atkins and Johnson combined for 186 total tackles, 20 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and surprisingly 14 passes defended. With 43 sacks, the Cincinnati Bengals ranked 10th in the league last season in sacks. Although Michael Johnson is gone, the equally adequate Wallace Gilberry is there to replace him. In 2013 Gilberry was able to go out and record a modest 7.5 sacks along with 24 total tackles. In the draft, the Bengals were able to pick up two key guys in OLB Marqise Flowers (94 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and a sack during his senior season) and DE Will Clarke (50 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks and five QB hurries). With that kind of depth at that position, I can see a very strong 2014 season from the guys up front.

In their secondary, the Bengals were as solid as a rock in 2013. Last season the Bengals ranked fifth in the league in passing yards allowed and fifth in interceptions (20) and also sixth in the league in passes defended (90). The collection of Adam “Pacman” Jones, Terrence Newman and Reggie Nelson, the Bengals were able to shut down any passing offense on command. However, where the Bengals’ passing defense deserves this number two ranking is in their additions. In the off-season the Bengals made some unprecedented moves, adding numerous corners and safeties to create one of the league’s best secondaries. One addition that comes to mind is CB Darqueze Dennard out of Michigan State who was selected 24th overall by the Bengals in this year’s draft. As a senior at Michigan State, Dennard was able to defend 14 passes, intercepting four of them. Against the run Dennard was also very effective, registering 62 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and five QB hurries. He’s got the speed with a 4.51 40-yard dash, intermediate strength with 15 225-pound reps at the combine and size at 5-11 to separate him from the rest of the pack in this NFL draft. Through tape analysis you can see that Dennard has complete control of his body through the air when attempting to bat passes away from receivers. His body motion has been described as “fluid” and “smooth” which are two great qualities to have in an NFL corner. He is graceful when following receivers, but can be tenacious in run support, wrapping up ball carriers and taking them down to the ground. Already with Adam “Pacman” Jones and Newman, the Bengals still were able to add former Texans’ strong safety Danieal Manning. This next season I expect humongous things from the Bengals defense considering that they have so much talent on their roster, particularly in their secondary with Dennard and Jones.

Reason why I place the Bengals before say the Saints or Panthers is simply because of their secondary. Sure Carolina may have some players that are more productive on the defensive line, but in the long run, passing defense is what determines bad defenses from good defenses.