While the addition of three-technique defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the Cincinnati Bengals defensive front will help provide a more reliable pass rush, the team is still in desperate need of a true gap stuffer to play the nose tackle position. Both Rankins and his new partner in crime B.J. Hill weigh in at approximately 310 pounds and are not physically built to take on consistent double teams at the NFL level.
I’m certainly thrilled to think about the stunts and blitzes that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can put together with two smaller, athletic tackles on third down, I still have some major concerns about how we are going to handle running downs.
Cincinnati Bengals to Host Aggressive Nose Tackle on Thursday Afternoon
Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Cincinnati’s former star nose tackle D.J. Reader just signed a contract with the Detroit Lions and will no longer be around to be the bane of Derrick Henry‘s existence. To add to that negative feeling, Henry will now be playing Cincinnati twice a season as a member of the Baltimore Ravens and the Bengals desperately need a run stuffer.
As I postulated earlier this offseason, there is one defensive tackle who might be a perfect fit for the situation that Cincinnati currently finds themselves in. While he clearly wasn’t a fan of Henry’s former team, Teair Tart has established himself as a tough force in the trenches. While he is approximately the same size as both Rankins and Hill, Tart is a far more physical player that relishes taking on the running attack.
After he quickly established himself with Tennessee when he walked in as an undrafted free agent, Tart made a name for himself with his tough and nasty style of play. Under defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel, Tart paired perfectly with All-Pro three-technique defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to provide Tennessee with some extra lift.
Then in 2023, he lost his head when the team suffered a rough season and ultimately found himself cut from the team. He was picked up by Houston where his numbers dwindled a little later in the season. While he may not be a marquee name, Tart would be an acceptable run stopper to take up space in the middle of the line. He may not be the same caliber player as Reader but he will likely be far cheaper. It is likely that with three average and smaller defensive tackles that Anarumo might dramatically change the play calling to better fit his strengths.
It is clear that Cincinnati is investing heavily into a defensive unit that was a major problem last season. While the unit may not be bringing in any high profile talent, the front office is clearly putting a major emphasis on depth particularly at the safety position. Look for Cincinnati to play far more aggressively in 2024 as the increased depth is likely to go along with a “play harder and get rested” philosophy.
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