Monday, March 15, 2004
Defense remains work in progress
Lewis, Frazier mold players
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Whether the next Bengals starting left cornerback is Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor or another veteran free agent, they will be part of Marvin Lewis' makeover of the defense.
Taylor will conclude a two-day visit to Cincinnati today before visiting the Cowboys. The Bengals have made an offer to Vincent.
The Bengals' projected starting opening day defensive lineup will consist of eight new players since Lewis was hired as coach just 14 months ago.
At this point, seven will have been acquired as veteran free agents. One, strong safety Rogers Beckett, was picked up off waivers from the Chargers, but will have to be re-signed by the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent.
The remaining holdover starters from 2002 are right end Justin Smith, right tackle Tony Williams and linebacker Brian Simmons, who was moved from the middle to the weak side.
The Bengals' defense actually ranked 11 places higher in yards allowed in 2003 than '02. The '02 defense was ranked No. 17; Lewis' first defense was 28th.
Though the 2002 Bengals were ranked No. 31 in points allowed, nine of the touchdowns scored against them were the result of offensive turnovers or special teams gaffes. The 2002 defense yielded 46 touchdowns, the '03 defense 41.
Lewis and coordinator Leslie Frazier say that having players in their second year in the defense will improve performance, as will bringing in playmakers. So far, the Bengals signed starting middle linebacker Nate Webster and likely starting free safety Kim Herring as free agents. They want to re-sign Beckett.
The new starters in '03 were linemen John Thornton and Duane Clemons, linebacker Kevin Hardy, cornerback Tory James and Beckett.
These starters from the last game of 2002 are no longer with the team: end Bernard Whittington, linebackers Canute Curtis and Takeo Spikes, cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Artrell Hawkins and strong safety JoJuan Armour. Tackle Glen Steele and safety Marquand Manuel also started, but were backups in 2003.
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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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