2008 vs. 2007 Personnel Comparison: Defensive Backs

Despite leading the league in turnovers during Marvin Lewis' tenure as head coach, any casual fan of the Bengals will tell you that our secondary has given up far too many big plays over that time frame, and that we were largely getting by with sub-par talent (Kevin Kaesveharn, Ifani Ohalete, an aging Tory James) for a long time.  However, the Bengals have invested heavily in the secondary, including two of the last three 1st round picks in the Draft, as well as 2006 4th rounder Marvin White and surprising 7th rounder Chinedum Ndukwe. 

While there will be no personnel changes at the starting corner positions, the Bengals will start at least one new safety (and eventually, probably two) in place of the departed Madieu Williams.  Although young, the secondary is probably the most talented position group in the Bengals' defense, so their attitude, commitment, and playmaking skills will go a long way in determining how this unit performs.  As always, we'll start with a review of personnel.

2007 Personnel

Starting DB: CB Jonathan Joseph, CB Leon Hall, SS Dexter Jackson, FS Madieu Williams, "Nickel" Deltha O'Neal

Reserves: Marvin White, Chinedum Ndukwe, Blue Adams, John Busing, Herana Daze-Jones, Tony Bua, Ethan Kilmer (injured)

2008 Personnel (projected)

Starting DB: CB Jonathan Joseph, CB Leon Hall, SS Dexter Jackson, FS Marvin White, "Nickel" Deltha O'Neal

Reserves: Chinedum Ndukwe, John Busing, Herana Daze-Jones, Ethan Kilmer, Corey Lynch, David Jones, Kyries Herbert, Simeon Castille

2007 Review

The 2007 season proved to be a window to the future with 2nd-year player Jonathan Joseph and rookie Leon Hall starting at opposite CB's from day 1.  J-Jo FINALLY got off the schnide and recorded his first interception (3 on the season) after dropping a reported 19 oppotunities in his rookie season.  Hall came up with 5 INTs, which was a nice total, but he struggled at times in coverage, particularly on "double moves."  However, he did demonstrate toughness and relatively sure-tackling in run support, much-needed attributes on a defense that is perennially maligned for its tackling ability (last year was no exception). 

On the backend, SS Dexter Jackson and Madieu Williams were decent, but still seemingly unable to stop the big play, particularly in key moments.  Rookie S Chinedum Ndukwe got valuable playing experience throughout the season, and both he and fellow rookie Marvin White got the start in the final game. Ndukwe was a bright spot in blitz packages--flexing as sort of a combo SS/LB--but did not yet demonstrate that he can be an every-down SS in the passing game.  Deltha O'Neal showed that he still has valuable ball skills, while role players like Herana Daze-Jones and John Busing added some value on special teams.  Ethan Kilmer, out for the season with a knee injury, would have been an intriguing addition to the team, but we'll have to wait for next season to see if he can really develop.

2008 Preview

Although we here at WDR get accused of being negative (I'd call it realistic), I can't hide my enthusiasm for what I think is potentially a great young secondary.  Joseph and Hall complement each other very well, with Joseph offering the speed and coverage of a shut-down corner and Hall providing great bump 'n run physicallity, smarts, and run support ability.  Both CBs should improve from last year's campaign, which was diminished by a Joseph injury (foot) and a lack of experience for Hall.  J-Jo appears to be in good health, and there is no doubt that the extremely intelligent Hall will continue to improve on his route recognition and technique.  Hall should also benefit quite a bit from new Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer's reported infatuation with the bump n' run, a style of play that fits perfectly with Hall's tenacity.

On the backend, it's unclear who will start between the trio of Jackson, White, and Ndukwe.  To me, White seems to be the least mentally prepared of the three, but he benefits from being the only true FS of the group.  Look for the Bengals to use a lot of situational defensive schemes where Jackson and Ndukwe line up together on short downs and goalline plays.  Overall, Ndukwe brings intelligence to the backside of the D and White brings the thunder.  At just 200 lbs, the dude can hit.  Without question, if the quartet of Hall, Joseph, White, and Ndukwe can mesh, we could well have our best defensive backfield since the days of David Fulcher.

Finally, there appears to be a major scrum for the remaining spots at the DB positions, particularly safety.  Guys like John Busing, Ethan Kilmer, Daze-Jones, and newcomer Corey Lynch could add a ton of value to special teams, but could get beat out by more position-ready players such as Blue Adams, Simeon Castille, and David Jones.  It will be interesting to see what happens with Deltha O'Neal, the sometimes poison-pill who still seems digruntled about falling out of the starting line up.  It's possible the Bengals could look to trade or release him, unless they feel that his ball skills and veteran experience are too much to give up.  Honestly, there are times when Deltha simply blankets WR's and has near-perfect route recognition (he knows what they are going to do before they do it), but other times he appears to give up. 

Overall: Improved

I think the additional experience of this talented group should start to pay dividends.  Of course, Deion Sanders couldn't cover guys in our system if we continue give the QB 10 seconds to throw, so the play of this unit will be directly proportionate to the level of pressure we get on the QB.  But, I think it's safe to say on this one, WDR is looking forward to what this group can do.

Comments

[PUNTE]

Don't you think it was kinda bullshit that while we were so desperate for front-seven help that we started stockpiling DBs? Especially after we led the league in INTs in 2005?

[Steve Mayne]

PUNTE: Yes, I do think it is BS that we started stockpiling DBs. As we have stated clearly on this website, we think that line dpeth should be a primary concern in player personnel decisions. For some reason, Mike Brown seems to think crusty, overpaid vets are better D-lineman than younger guys. And yes, we were burned by Big Daddy and d-lineman take time to develop, but this regime needs to realize (as it slowly is starting to) that it all starts upfront.

[John A. Schizzle]

I would disagree with the big plays given up by the defense line. If there is anything that the Bengals defense has done in the Marvin era is not give up big plays(Long TD's 0ver 15 yards) in the passing game. Hence the 12 yard cushion. But make no mistake that secondary and O-line are positions you can not overdraft.