The Bengals’ 2017 defense can best be described as a dichotomy. The unit was one of the best in the league at sacking the quarterback, as well as one of the worst teams at getting tackles for loss. It was above average in defensive Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt, but deployed a below average run defense unit. It was top 10 in points per play and yards per play, while also being the worst team in the league at creating turnovers. Most of the pieces in the unit were in place, but there were still vacancies and opportunities for improvement.
How Jessie Bates’ presence on the Bengals defense will impact George Iloka and Shawn Williams
