Bengals Snap Counts Takeaways vs. Lions

Is it simply me, or is all of the intrigue round this week’s snap counts on the defensive facet of the ball?

Let’s begin with the query that’s on everybody’s thoughts.

“Why is it that each time I lookup, I see Joseph Ossai in protection?”

The reply is within the snaps.

The Bengals’ protection was on the sphere for 62 defensive snaps, and defensive tackles took a complete of 167 snaps. That averages out to 2.7 defensive tackles on the sphere per play. Whereas I’m not right here to debate the existence of fractional defenders (though I’m positive Rex Ryan has thought-about it), this quantity reveals that most of the time, the Bengals had three defensive tackles on the sphere.

Why? As a result of, like they did with Lou Anarumo previously, the Bengals are working an odd defensive entrance. It’s primarily a 3-4 protection, however the workforce makes use of 5 defensive linemen as an alternative.

T.J. Slaton (50), B.J. Hill (46), and Kris Jenkins (41) all bought starter reps at defensive sort out, with Mike Pennel (20) getting a major quantity, and McKinnley Jackson (6) additionally taking part.

The starter reps at defensive finish had been decrease than these of the highest three defensive tackles. Joseph Ossai’s 38 snaps narrowly edged out Trey Hendrickson’s 37. This step again was a optimistic for Hendrickson, who has been taking far too many reps.

Cam Pattern (20) and Myles Murphy (13) had been position gamers who made their presence recognized with 5 mixed tackles.

Logan Wilson took each snap at linebacker, whereas rookies Demetrius Knight (36) and Barrett Carter (33) primarily cut up time. Oren Burks rounded out the group with 13 reps of his personal.

The added beef on the sphere led to fewer defensive backs. Dax Hill and D.J. Turner performed each down at cornerback. Cam Taylor-Britt solely performed a couple of third of snaps (22), and Josh Newton solely performed 3 defensive snaps.

Security Jordan Battle is one other member of the each snap membership, whereas Geno Stone got here out on the purpose line and was six snaps in need of his mate.

The Bengals personnel present their dedication to stopping the run, and Pattern and Ossai trying to cowl tight ends and make open subject tackles is the worth they paid for that dedication.