Cincinnati Bengals defense encouraged by Ravens defeat

doc: Marvin Lewis can applaud the effort, but the Ravens have traveled the Bengals

Analysis: Without A.J. Green, there are not enough Bengals to defeat the defense

The Bengals all seemed to be branded – more statistics to put on a historically bad defense.

And yet, the after-game mood was, one way or another, positive.

"It was a big step in the right direction, we just did not get the desired result," said Bengals defender Carlos Dunlap. "There are positives, it is clear and obvious that we look like a different defense."

Lewis himself appeared encouraged at his post-game press conference. The long-time head coach became the defensive player for the first time since 2004, following the dismissal of coordinator Teryl Austin earlier this week.

"I thought that they had learned something about themselves," Lewis said of his players. "We had opportunities today and we did not fully benefit from them, we have to continue to do that, we have to take full advantage, but we have learned."

"We just have to keep fighting and playing, the game is not over, so let's play, we know we can do it and we have guys who can do it. health to make us better and that will lift us. "

The Ravens have entered 4-5 and are desperate for a win. The Bengals arrived at 5-4, in need to stop the bleeding. Three consecutive losses allowing over 500 yards allowed the Cincinnati defense to break the NFL record for the number of yards allowed in a season.

Lewis is involved in assuming the role of defensive leader. And he recalled former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, sacked by the Browns last month, to help him implement the defensive game plan and evaluate the next offensive opponents.

Nobody, however, could really know how Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense would work.

"We've had a lot of training," said Bengals linebacker Hardy Nickerson. "They've started a lot of new tracks for this game, in terms of moving guys, jet moves, shiny guys to somehow divert the eyes. "

The first training of the Ravens game showed that and Lewis's learning curve when readjusted to life as a playcaller.

Baltimore has won 75 yards on 11 games – all races with seemingly no idea to pass. Jackson had 21 and six points on the third try to keep the pace going.

Meanwhile, Nickerson, carrying the headset on the court and receiving calls from Lewis and handing them over to his teammates, had trouble communicating with Lewis because the coach was pressing the wrong button on the box. his helmet.

"Poor Hardy has had a hard time right from the start, no doubt," said Lewis. "He's there watching me, and I'm pressing the wrong button."

The Ravens averaged 6.8 yards per run on the first drive. The rest of the match averaged 4.5, while Lewis had no problems with the helmet and the defense was settling.

"They got our first car," Nickerson said. "We are somehow settled in the game."

From there, the Bengals forced the Ravens to play three straight in the first half. It's only the third time of the season that they've got three consecutive defensive stops. Shawn Williams intercepted a pass in the third quarter, the Bengals made a save for the fourth and short and two of the Ravens' three goals were scored after Baltimore entered the 10-yard line.

These were some of the reasons for encouragement.

"We played fast," said Bengals cornerback Kirkpatrick. "We were moving around, running to the ball, getting together, we had a takeaway, I would have liked to have more, because it was something we pissed off. this week – it's hard to get when they do not run outside. "

In the midst of so many changes this week, with a totally different touch dynamics, with Austin gone, Lewis at the mike and Hue Jackson on the field and facing a former two-time Heisman winner, the Sunday defeat was obviously a blow hard. both the AFC North Division Race and the Wild Card Playoff Pursuit.

But the players did not make veiled comments like after the defeat against the Steelers earlier this season. It was at this point that the first signs appeared that something was really wrong with the defense. This led to Austin being fired. But Sunday's games left the players in a good mood.

"It was smooth," Kirkpatrick said. "I have no complaints, I have received calls, checks, everything." (Lewis) made us play fast, he put us in situations where we did not have to think a lot, he gave us the best game we could ask for. "

At the end of the match, the Bengals' offense had two chances to tie with a placement or win with a touchdown. The defense has provided these opportunities.

Of course, more documents garnered by opposing offenses and another loss provide ammunition justified for criticism. But that's the noise going on outside the Bengals locker room.

In their room, the Bengals say that they are on a better track than before.

"I think (Lewis) was good at calling us," Nickerson said. "We come on the sidelines talking about things, making adjustments and they were working, I think that's one of those things where he'll be more comfortable next week." not doing that since (2004), and going out and calling plays, I thought he'd done a hell of a job. "