Why the Bengals' defense has the edge over Patrick Mahomes
Slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense in Arrowhead Stadium is a daunting task. But that’s exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals are tasked with doing in order to make its second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. Though containing Mahomes is much easier said than done, the Bengals are actually well-equipped to […]
Slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense in Arrowhead Stadium is a daunting task. But that’s exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals are tasked with doing in order to make its second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl.
Though containing Mahomes is much easier said than done, the Bengals are actually well-equipped to make the superstar’s life difficult in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.
Cincinnati’s defense ranks 23rd in the NFL against the pass, allowing opponents to throw for an average of 229.1 yards per game. Many factors contributed to a subpar pass defense in 2022, but the Bengals have hit their stride as of late.
In fact, no defense has forced opposing offenses into a higher percentage of difficult throws this season. Per the NFL's Next Gen Stats, the Bengals have allowed the lowest expected completion percentage in the NFL (60.1%).
Cincinnati’s secondary was shaky after starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie went down with a season-ending ACL injury in Week 8, but rookie Cam Taylor-Britt has stepped up in his absence as of late.
Health is Wealth
The other key element in Sunday’s showdown is the mobility, or lack thereof, of Mahomes. In the Chiefs’ win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, Mahomes suffered an ankle injury on his plant foot. Kansas City's hobbled signal caller seemed to struggle with simple tasks upon his return, including handing the ball off.
Putting pressure on Mahomes is paramount for this Bengals defense. If Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson and the pass rush is able to get home, Cincinnati’s secondary will have opportunities to create turnovers on the back end.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense can score with anyone, but if defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has his way, his defense will force the Chiefs to take the ball out of Mahomes’ hands and try to win the game on the ground.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY Sports
