While they have following traditional defensive methodologies for as long as I can remember, the Cincinnati Bengals have found themselves in a difficult position this offseason. In the 2020 free agency window, the franchise locked down elite nose tackle D.J. Reader and up until Thursday afternoon, he was one of the best at his position during his tenure in the Queen City.
Unfortunately, his departure is going to really push defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to his limits due to the complete scarcity of traditional nose tackles on the free agent market. After the team signed replacement defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, there was at least another quality tackle on the roster but the problem is that Rankins (as talented as he is) is still a stereotypical 3-technique.
Explanation of the Classic 4-3 Defensive Approach
Before I can explain the solution available to Cincinnati, I first have to fully explain their problem. In a traditional 4-3 defense (which the Bengals have utilized for at least the past twenty years), you have two defensive ends and two defensive tackles. While the ends are essentially only differentiated by which side they are on, the tackles typically have dramatically different play styles.
You have the defensive tackle who typically plays in a 3-technique (outside shoulder of the guard). The defensive tackle is typically somewhat smaller (300-310 pounds) and because they are lined up in a easier one-on-one matchup with the guard, they are expected to be a little bit quicker where they can win that matchup with speed. They should be able to shed the block and either sack the quarterback or chase down a running back. If you need an example, Cincinnati legend Geno Atkins was an outstanding defensive tackle for a long time during the 2010s.
The other tackle is the nose tackle or nose guard who typically plays in the 1-technique (shoulder of the center). the nose tackle is frequently double-teamed due to their position directly between two blockers without outside help and are generally expected to be heavier and stronger (320-350). While they still need to be able to chase down blockers, the number one responsibility of the nose tackle is to both plug up space and stand their ground on the line of scrimmage. Reader has been excellent as a nose tackle during his tenure with Cincinnati but his spell with the team has officially ended this week.
What is the Problem for the Cincinnati Bengals?
With the signing of Rankins earlier this week, the Bengals will almost certainly now start Rankins along with B.J. Hill as the defensive tackles in their starting lineup. Both of them are above-average defensive tackles but the problem is with both of them weighing 305 and 311 pounds respectively, they are definitely more 3-technique tackles and their playing styles certainly backs that up.
Without Reader, Cincinnati doesn’t have a true nose tackle to help stuff up run plays and considering this team was statistically 26th in the league against the run (126.2 rushing yards per game), missing that position is going to be a serious problem. Cincinnati is clearly aware of the problem because the team is currently in contract negotiations with former Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Teair Tart. Tart may weight only 304 pounds but his low center of gravity and tough-nosed style of play have made him a passable nose tackle in the NFL since he came into the league undrafted in 2020.
Even if Tart ends up joining the team, Cincinnati will still have to deal with the problem of having an undersized nose tackle below 310 pounds. In a division where the Bengals will be forced to play three of the best rushing teams in the NFL twice per season, they need to completely shore up their defensive strategy.
One advantage will be that if the team signs Tart, they will have three starting-quality defensive tackles on the roster and will therefore be able to rotate players at a much higher frequency. Considering that is how Anarumo likes to manage his overall defensive philosophy, you can expect these guys to be swapping out virtually every other play to keep them well rested against double teams. While the team may not have much size on the defensive interior, they will be able to play with a higher energy with the more frequent rotation.
Another option for Cincinnati would be to tighten down the splits amongst the defensive lineman. While defensive ends usually line up on the outside shoulder of the tackles, Anarumo could bump them down to being over the tackles (4-technique) and both defensive tackle to cut down to either 2-techniques (over the guard) or even a 2i-technique (inside shoulder of a guard). This may make pass rushing more difficult but may be valuable on early downs particularly if at least two linebackers line up inside the tackles.
While it may not be a traditional defensive lineup, it would be more functional against the run. Otherwise, an opposing offensive line could simply target the smaller 1-technique and blow them off the ball with a double team. This would open a huge whole right up the middle and almost guarantee at least five yards to a running back.
Anarumo and the Cincinnati coaching staff will need to think of some creative solutions to help defend against the run with a smaller set of defensive linemen even if it means changing up the formation to a certain degree.
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @Super_Squatch76. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here! If there is a topic you’d like me to cover or a question you’d like to ask, feel free to contact me at my email timothy.mcbride76@gmail.com.