There weren’t many positive spots from the Cincinnati Bengals defense last season, as that unit consistently struggled to stop just about anyone.
That led to an offseason full of change at the coaching level, hoping they could salvage some of the young, promising defensive prospects already on the roster.
One of the biggest prospects, both metaphorically and literally, is second-year defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. A player that defensive coordinator Al Golden thinks had a terrific training camp.
Cincinnati needs last season’s second-round pick to take a step. He was forced into a bigger role last season after former Bengal Sheldon Rankins struggled to get on the field due to injury. Playing through that injury on a defense that struggled to find an identity didn’t lead to a great season.
This is a fresh start for Jenkins. Golden’s offense isn’t supposed to be nearly as complicated as Lou Anarumo’s, which might help him hit the ground running faster. If Jenkins and company can slow down the run and disrupt the middle of the offensive line, it would go a long way towards improving a defense many aren’t expecting much out of.
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