It’s crazy how the NFL works sometimes.
Last place teams win the division the following year.
Players deemed busts or near the bottom of their position (ex. Daniel Jones and Geno Smith) turn it around to put up elite numbers.
And weaknesses become strengths and vice versa, like the Denver Broncos in 2013 and 2015.
So while it seems ridiculous, it’s time we start taking the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense seriously.
Because, so far, they’ve completely turned it around from last year’s disaster.
ESPN Insights posted that, through Week 2, the Bengals defense is second best in the NFL in QBR allowed and second in interceptions, all with the lowest blitz rate.
And Pro Football Focus’ numbers for Cincinnati’s defensive unit were flattering as well.
According to the analytics site, the Bengals are seventh in total defense, fifteenth in rushing defense, tenth in coverage, and thirteenth in pass rush, among other things.
And for good measure, here’s another stat, this one courtesy of Fantasy Points Data: the Bengals are 13th in the NFL in EPA/DB, or, expected points added per dropback.
I talked to Zim Who Dey about the surprising play of the defense and previewed the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings in the video below.
You can also listen on iTunes or by using the player below.
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