NFL Rumors: Chiefs view Bengals as ‘older’ and ‘not built to defend’ | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors
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The Kansas City Chiefs believe the Cincinnati Bengals are “older and not built to block and defend right now” when the two teams meet for Week 2 play on Sunday afternoon, Dianna Russini reported for The Athletic.
“They believe Cincinnati has enough in its arsenal to combine coverage and pressure and force the Chiefs to earn their points through long attacks,” Russini wrote.
The Bengals are entering their sixth season with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who expressed frustration with his unit, with the exception of fullback Trey Hendrickson, following the team’s loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1.
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Lou Anarumo on Hendrickson’s consistent pressure (no sacks): “He was there, he made an impact, he moved the guy. Better pressure from inside would have helped some … we have to make sure we do the right things around him.”
Translation: The rest of you need to do more. https://t.co/uqOnqekPlx
Russini described Anarumo’s defensive strategy against Kansas City so far as “defending the red zone was crucial in forcing the Chiefs to make field goals.”
The reigning Super Bowl champions managed to break this strategy when the two teams last met on December 31st.
With Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow out with a wrist injury, kicker Harrison Butker made six straight field goals to lead the Chiefs to a Week 17 victory that knocked the Bengals out of the playoff race.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase recently described the Bengals as “the team to beat in the AFC,” according to ESPN. BenBaby.
To cement that status, the Bengals must prove they can limit their opponents’ running game more than they did when they allowed the Patriots 170 rushing yards.
Anarumo will expect a more comprehensive defense from the Bengals when Week 2 play begins at 4:25 p.m. ET.
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