Tennessee Titans: The real story behind the Bengals' Top 5 run defense
The top-seeded Tennessee Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday at 3:30 CST. There has been plenty of discussion about the long-anticipated return of running back Derrick Henry. Conversely, many are talking about the impressive run defense of the Bengals this season. It should be an entertaining matchup for both teams on both sides of […]
The top-seeded Tennessee Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday at 3:30 CST. There has been plenty of discussion about the long-anticipated return of running back Derrick Henry. Conversely, many are talking about the impressive run defense of the Bengals this season.
It should be an entertaining matchup for both teams on both sides of the ball. The Titans' rushing attack faces Cincinnati's well-respected run defense unit. The high-flying passing attack of the Bengals goes up against arguably the best defensive line in the NFL.
Is the run defense of the Cincinnati Bengals a bit overrated?
There is an argument for it, undoubtedly. Check it out here:
Like Zach discussed, many of the top performances by the Bengals' run defense came in blowout wins. Those were games where Cincinnati took an early lead and did not look back. The opposing offenses did not have any choice but to turn to the passing game almost exclusively. The run game could not be incorporated when at such a big deficit.
In those games, the defensive stats favor the Bengals rush defense. If the Titans can get the running game going early, it will change the game. That would put the Bengals in a susceptible situation on the backend, opening up more opportunities for A.J. Brown and Julio Jones.
Additionally, the Titans' defense must hold Joe Burrow and company in check early. They cannot fall into the trap that other teams did. That would decrease the value of Henry's return from injury immensely.
There is no doubt that the defense of the Bengals has exceeded expectations. However, those expectations against the best running back in the league may need to be tempered just a bit.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
