Sunday, September 10, 2000
Bengals need to pressure QB
The problem is pass rush. The solution is slippery. The Cincinnati Bengals want to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. They really do. It's just that something always gets in the way.
Usually, it's an offensive tackle. Sometimes, it's a tight end. Once in a while, a reluctant running back will be detained in the backfield to perform an impression of a cut block. The names change, but the story line is stuck like a plow in a tar pit. On any given Sunday, the Bengals are likely to be critically short on sacks appeal.
Last in NFL
Over the last 10 seasons, the Bengals' defense has tackled opposing quarterbacks 316 times for losses, the lowest sack total of any NFL team that has been in operation since 1990.
Eight times during that decade the Bengals finished 25th or worse in total defense, and not once did they match the season sack total of either the Minnesota Vikings or the Philadelphia Eagles.
Heard enough? Here's one last stat: Between 1990 and 1999, the Bengals recorded 156 fewer sacks than — strange but true — the New Orleans Saints.
This is not a trend, it's a tradition. For all the attention focused on their new look — on Akili Smith and Peter Warrick and Paul Brown Stadium — the Bengals can't expect to win consistently until their defensive line puts more heat on opposing passers than Barbara Walters does on celebrity interviews.
“That has been a concern,” Bengals coach Bruce Coslet acknowledged amid preparations for today's season opener against the Cleveland Browns. “I think we have the guys (on the defensive line) who are capable of doing it, but it's still: "Let's see you do it.'”
Changes and additions
In an effort to re-deploy his slender resources, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau abandoned the 3-4 front late last season in favor of the more mainstream 4-3. Later, the Bengals fortified their defensive line with the free-agent signings of Tom Barndt and Vaughn Booker. Michael Bankston, who led the Bengals with six sacks last season, has been relegated to a reserve role because of injuries and improved competition.
This indicates an upgraded line. Still, until these guys start getting it done, it's all supposition.
“We all have the ability to do it,” defensive end Jevon Langford said. “We have to do it on game day.”
There's the rub. Bengals defensive linemen have been talking a good game for generations, but their deeds haven't created much confidence. Excluding noseguard Tim Krumrie, whose forte was run defense, the last Bengals defensive lineman to play in the Pro Bowl was Coy Bacon, in 1977.
Since then, the Bengals have spent eight of their 33 first-round draft choices on defensive linemen and produced several busts but no candidates for Canton. The names: Eddie Edwards, Wilson Whitley, Ross Browner, Glen Collins, Pete Koch, Jason Buck, John Copeland and Dan Wilkinson.
Of these players, only Copeland remains, and he has never been a mighty force up the field. He finished last season with one sack in his last 11 games and starts this season at a new position, right end.
“I think we'll be OK,” Copeland said. “We should get to the quarterback. “I know we can do it. I'm sure we can do it.”
Proof would be better.
E-mail: tsullivan@enquirer.com.
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SULLIVAN: Bengals need to pressure QB
