ARGOMENTO: they won the division title and suffered a first-r

Nick Vigil’s comment on new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a great sign for the rest of the unit." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCincy Junglea Cincinnati Bengals communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryBengalsOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBALou Anarumo’s new defense could be the key for the Bengals’ linebackersNew Dre Kirkpatrick Jersey ,57commentsNick Vigil’s comment on new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a great sign for the rest of the unit.EDTShareTweetShareShareLou Anarumo’s new defense could be the key for the Bengals’ linebackersMark Konezny-USA TODAY SportsLinebacker was the Bengals’ weakest position last season and a huge need heading into the offseason. In addressing the issue, the Bengals avoided a big splash in free agency, per their usual tactics. They released long-time starter Vontaze Burfict and re-signed Preston Brown, but that basically all they did prior to the draft. In short, they did nothing.When healthy, Brown was the team’s best linebacker last season, but he is much stronger against the run that the pass. Other returning players who saw a lot of action include Nick Vigil, Jordan Evans, and Hardy Nickerson. All three have seen their share of struggles, some more than others. Malik Jefferson and Chris Worley were both rookies last season and showed some promise. Early in the draft process, Jefferson was even seen as a potential first-round pick, but ended up going in the third round an up rarely saw the field. This year the Bengals dipped in the third round for a linebacker again and selected Germaine Pratt. The former NC State linebacker had great film and athleticism, much like Jefferson. They also selected Deshaun Davis on Day 3 and added a trio of UDFA linebackers with Sterling Sheffield, Noah Hawkins, and Curtis Akins.So even after the draft Jordan Evans Jersey , the Bengals did relatively little to address this massive need. But one addition has gone unnoticed for how much it could positively impact the position: defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Anarumo was nobody’s first choice for the job, it’s true. His name was probably a trending topic in terms of google searches when he was announced as the hire. Obviously it is very early, but there have been some positive signs about new head coach Zac Taylor and his staff. Vigil told Bengals.com that Anarumo was “making it simple for us so we don’t have to think as much.” Players thrive when they can move fast, and thinking too much does not encourage smooth athletic performance. It makes players mechanical and slow. The evidence is there that Jefferson is a much better player under these conditions. He faced a similar situation in college. A star recruit, he struggled early in his career but shined in his last season when new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando came in and allowed him to play fast. Jefferson works best with simple “if than” reads that he can read quickly. This allows him to make full use of his athletic ability.It could also be great for players like Vigil and Evans who have shown potential, but had a lot of problems. Simplifying their reads will help the Bengals to optimize their talent.There are two ways to repair personnel problems. The first is to invest draft capital or actual capital. Now that we’re in June, that ship appears to have sailed for the Bengals this offseason. The other is to develop the players that you have. Vigil and Evans are still fairly young and malleable and including the UDFAs the Bengals have seven first or second-year players at the position. If Anarumo can get the most out of these young players by letting them play fast, there may be hope at linebacker. CINCINNATI (AP) — A few hours after a Thursday night loss to the Texans left them 0-2 last season, the Bengals made a decision that amounted to reversing field. They fired coordinator Ken Zampese and elevated Bill Lazor to interim leader of the offense.One year later, the offense is a whole lot different. Following Lazor’s new script — and an overhauled offensive line — the Bengals are 2-0 with their 34-23 win over AFC North rival Baltimore on Thursday night. Andy Dalton threw four touchdown passes, and the Bengals became the first team to score at least 34 points in their first two games since the 2013 Broncos, according to ESPN Stats & Info.Those Broncos went to the Super Bowl and lost to Seattle. These Bengals are getting accustomed to being in first place in their division.“I’m loving it, and I’m sure everyone else is loving it,” said Tyler Boyd, who had a 14-yard touchdown catch .The offense suffered its first notable injuries on Thursday night. Running back Joe Mixon hurt his right knee in the first quarter and was in-and-out of the game. His agent Preston Brown Jersey , Peter Schaffer, said Friday that Mixon will have a procedure to remove a loose particle from the knee and will be back “in less than two weeks.”Mixon finished with 84 yards rushing and one catch for 3 yards. Mixon said the knee felt “weird” and was sore, but he decided to return to the game.Otherwise, the Bengals were feeling good coming off their second straight impressive win set up by the offense’s turnaround from a year ago.Cincinnati had its streak of five straight playoff appearances broken in 2016, and got off to an 0-3 start last year that led to another losing record. Marvin Lewis received a two-year extension, but there were changes in the rest of the coaching staff.Lazor was elevated from interim coordinator and spent the offseason rewriting the playbook. In the first two games, he’s leaned more heavily on Mixon both as a runner and receiver. He’s moved Dalton out of the pocket on misdirection plays. And he’s put the emphasis on going for big plays, something that was missing last year.Dalton has looked very comfortable in the new schemes. He’s completed 64 percent of his throws with six touchdowns, one interception, two sacks and a passer rating of 108.5. Lazor’s approach allows him to do what he does best: get rid of the ball quickly in a fast-paced, West Coast offense.So far, he looks more like he did in 2015, when he led the AFC with a 106.3 passer rating.“The way Bill is calling it and what we’re doing has been great,” Dalton said. “We can spread the ball around and get a lot of guys involved. I think that’s where this offense is fortunate.”An upgraded line has made it possible. The line was a huge problem last season, unable to open holes for the running game or give Dalton time. With four new starters Ryan Glasgow Jersey , the line has allowed only two sacks — none against the Ravens — and provided some lanes for Mixon, who is averaging 4.7 yards per carry.Last year, the offense failed to score a touchdown while losing the first two games to Baltimore and Houston, putting their season on a bad course.“Those two games defined us as a team,” said receiver A.J. Green, who had a career-high three touchdown catches on Thursday, all in the first half.Some players think the 2-0 start could come to define this year’s team. The Bengals are 2-0 for only the fifth time in Lewis’ 16 seasons. The last time was 2015, when they won the division title and suffered a first-round playoff meltdown against Pittsburgh at Paul Brown Stadium.“Yep, we’re 2-0!” cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. “Yeah, we’re special.”PRICE, JOHNSON EXPECTED BACKRookie center Billy Price strained his right foot when it was stepped on in the first quarter. Defensive end Michael Johnson hurt his left knee and missed the last three quarters. Lewis said Friday that neither injury is severe.DANCING TO THE MUSICKirkpatrick hosted a pregame party at a nursing home in suburban Loveland. Video of 95-year-old Irma Shafer dancing with Kirkpatrick was shared on social media and became a popular tweet among Bengals fans after the win over Baltimore.