The Cincinnati Bengals‘ defensive front four was once something to be feared. It dominated opposing offensive lines without help allowing the defense to employ seven players in coverage against the pass while linebackers such as Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga were allowed to attack backfields unblocked in order to stop the run. The dominance of the trenches led the defense to elite status. But 2014 brought much change to Cincinnati and part of the once elite defense finished the year as the NFL’s 22nd overall defense.
This year, the Bengals’ defense will look to bounce back and help led the organization to its first playoff win since 1990.