Bengals' Lou Anarumo named one of the NFL's top defensive coordinators by PFF
Lou Anarumo came to the Cincinnati Bengals the same year as head coach Zac Taylor so they have both been in this magic carpet ride over the last few seasons. Anarumo's reputation as a defensive coordinator wasn't long before his Cincinnati days, in fact, he only held that title for one year in the NFL […]
Lou Anarumo came to the Cincinnati Bengals the same year as head coach Zac Taylor so they have both been in this magic carpet ride over the last few seasons.
Anarumo's reputation as a defensive coordinator wasn't long before his Cincinnati days, in fact, he only held that title for one year in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 when he took over for Kevin Coyle, and the team finished 25th in total defense.
After four years as the puppet master in Cincinnati, Anarumo has now entered the ranks of the top defensive coordinators in the league, being named the No.2 guy league-wide by Pro Football Focus.
The Bengals' coaching staff, as a whole, has ascended the ranks of reputation and recognition over the past few seasons, but Anarumo has arguably risen the most. In 2019, his first season as defensive coordinator, Cincinnati allowed 26.3 points per game, 25th in the league. Since then, the team has ranked 21st in 2020, 13th in 2021 and fifth in 2022, allowing just 19.6 points per game last season. They were also a top-five unit in expected points allowed per play in 2022.-Trevor Sikkema, PFF
Anarumo and his teachings have gotten some of his players to be recognized as well.
The linebacker group in Cincinnati was named the fifth-best of its kind a few weeks ago. Also, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was ranked ninth at his position, cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton got their props as two of the NFL's best, and Cam Taylor-Britt got his flowers recently, too.
The rise of Anarumo as a defensive mastermind has a great chance of continuing with a wave of young and talented defensive backs which include cornerbacks Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner as well as safeties Dax Hill and Jordan Battle.
Cincinnati has the potential to be even better when it comes to getting after the passer in 2023 as they have carved out a specific role for first-round pick Myles Murphy to help out Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.
As long as the Bengals' front office continues to provide Anarumo with talent via the draft and free agency, he will keep pushing the right buttons that make his players perform at high levels.
Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
