As the Bengals’ defense continues to be an issue, let’s take a look at who is getting the most opportunities.
A week and a half ago, Cam Taylor-Britt was inactive, a healthy scratch. This weekend, he was introduced as a starter, taking 76% of defensive snaps. With that, Josh Newton’s snaps plummeted from 26 a week ago to just five this week.
The Bengals have given Taylor-Britt several chances, but his inconsistency has been problematic. Evidently, he has not taken up permanent residence in Al Golden’s
doghouse as they continue to search for what works for them defensively.
Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart were the starters on the edge, but due in part to Hendrickson’s injury, Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai actually exceeded them in snaps. It didn’t really matter who was out there. Unfortunately, despite a middling Jets offensive line, no one was getting to Justin Fields. Despite a season-high 56 snaps, former first-round pick Myles Murphy could not generate any pressure. Joseph Ossai fared no better on 50 snaps. Stewart was invisible with 40 snaps.
Stewart is a rookie who we knew was going to take some time. Although slowed by an injury, it would be nice to have seen more out of him by now. Ossai bet on himself with a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati, but he doesn’t seem to be improving his free agent market. Murphy is the real disappointment. This week was a real opportunity for him, but he fell flat on his face.
Unlike the defensive ends, the starters at linebacker are also the leaders in snaps. Barrett Carter took 100% of defensive snaps once again, while Demetrius Knight took 88%. Knight also led the team in tackles with 12 total. Team captain Logan Wilson played 28% of snaps, which was 20 snaps total. Oren Burks played only one defensive snap.
Carter has made his share of rookie mistakes but seems to be trending in the right direction. Knight, on the other hand, has been erratic without many positive flashes. Wilson seems to be benefiting from a lower snap count. Once again, this week he had a good game with five tackles on 20 snaps. Oren Burks should be getting more reps. He has looked good when he has been out there and should cut into Knight’s snaps.
The snap counts show that recent draft picks are getting opportunities, but many of them are coming up short.
