Here’s what to expect from the Bengals offense and defense – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Lindsay Patterson and Tyler Dragon discuss the upcoming game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the L.A. Chargers. Cincinnati Enquirer

In the midst of a ragging pandemic, the Cincinnati Bengals wereuncharacteristicallyaggressive this offseason. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin and company constructed a roster that the franchise and fan base feel optimistic about. The Bengals spent over $140 million on free agents and all seven members of the teams 2020 draft class made the 53-man roster.

No. 1 overall pick quarterback Joe Burrow and defensive tackle D.J. Reader headline the teams offseason acquisitions. Plus, the club welcomes back seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green, who hasnt appeared in a game since Dec. 2, 2018.

Excitement for the Bengals is legitimate.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow calls out a play during a scrimmage at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday August 30, 2020.(Photo: Cara Owsley/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati has seven new starters entering Week 1. But, do the Bengals have enough talent overall to get out of the AFC North basement?

The Enquirer previews the Bengals offense and defense

Zac Taylors 11-personnel-centric offense was dealt debilitating blows last season due to injuries, A.J. Green (ankle) and Jonah Williams (shoulder) being chief among them. Taylors second season at the helm begins with a healthy squad on offense and a starting quarterback who he had heavy influence in drafting.

The Bengals offense lined up in 11-personnel 77% of the time last season, the most in all of football. For 11-personnel to function effectively, a team needs a playmaking X wide receiver, a reliable slot receiver, a deep threat and a running back who can run the football and catch passes out of the backfield. Most importantly though, its a requirement for the club to have a good quarterback and a stout offensive line.

Taylor and the Bengals believe they possess all of the above when all their starters are healthy. Returning players have expressed confidence in Taylors system. Several Bengals say they are more comfortable with his offensive philosophy and have intimate knowledge of what the team wants to do.

There are just so many pieces were finally putting together that we didnt have in place last year. Now that we have everybody rolling, guys dont have to overthink it or be confused about what their role is and where theyre playing at, Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd said. With all the pieces in place, the skys the limit.

Burrow has sky-high expectations, but hell only be as good as his surrounding parts. He does have the luxury of having one of the best wide receiving corps in the AFC, if they can stay healthy. Plus, a Pro-Bowl-caliber running back in Joe Mixon. Although, Cincinnatis offensive line is a question mark even with the additions of Williams at left tackle and right guard Xavier Su'a-Filo.

Anticipate the team to make a more concerted effort to establish the run to ease the burden off Burrow. When Burrow does drop back to pass, most of his first reads will go to Boyd, who he has a solid connection with already, and Green, who the team wants to get going.

The Bengals defense played in nickel 48.5% of the time in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumos system. Expect more of the same in year No. 2 under Anarumo. Similar to the offensive side, returning players claim they are feeling much more relaxed hearing the same terminology.

We are just growing. Growing together as a defensive group. This is year two for Lou (Anarumo) and me, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt said. We are improving and trying to work on things that we needed to do last year.

It wont be season two under Anarumo for some Bengals defenders, though. Cincinnati revamped their defense this offseason and will trot out four new starters who they acquired in free agency defensive tackle D.J. Reader, linebacker Josh Bynes, slot corner Mackensie Alexander and strong safety Vonn Bell (the defensive wouldve had five new Week 1 starters if Trae Waynes were healthy).

Credit Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin and the club for being proactivein free agency in an attempt to upgrade their defense. The Bengals were at the very bottom of the NFL in run defense last season and were in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. Staying stagnant wouldve been catastrophic in a division with the reining MVP and the run-oriented Baltimore Ravens, in addition to Nick Chubb and the Cleveland Browns and Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cincinnati finished 1-5 in the AFC North in 2019. The division figures to be better this go around.

In his second season leading the defense, Anarumo wants his bunch to impose their will upfront and stop the run, plus create more turnovers. Cincinnati had a -14-turnover differential in Anarumo's first year as coordinator. The New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers were the only teams with a worse turnover differential.

We need to not let people run the ball. It has to start there. From there, we have to take advantage of turnovers, Anarumo said to The Enquirer. Interceptions and causing more fumbles, which we have to do. You stop the run, you turn the ball over, then that helps everything else.

Stopping the run and creating turnovers are major points of emphasis for the Bengals re-tooled defense heading into the season. Cincinnatis success in both areas will have a big influence on its win total.

Darrin Simmons returns for his 18th season in Cincinnati. He is the Bengals' longest-tenured coach. The Bengals promoted Simmons to assistant head coach over the offseason, adding to his role as special teams coordinator.

Simmons is one of the most respected special teams coaches in the NFL.

The Bengals'special teams was one of the few bright spots for the club last season. Kicker Randy Bullock converted on83.5% of his field goals, punter Kevin Huber had a team record 42.11-yard net average,Brandon Wilson averaged an NFL-best31.3 yards per kick return attempt and long snapper Clark Harris had no unplayable snaps. The four of them will lead the wayonce again for Cincinnati's special teams.

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Here's what to expect from the Bengals offense and defense - The Cincinnati Enquirer