Bengals’ strategy at CB will be tested in opener
At the start of training camp, as the Bengals began fitting together the pieces of their new trio of starting cornerbacks, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo stressed that depth at cornerback is more important than having one premier player at that position.
If you can get a cornerback that can stand out as a number one corner, he said, that’s great. But in the modern NFL, there are more three-wide-receiver sets and an emphasis on the passing game. As a result, Anarumo’s defense relies on four or five cornerbacks and two safeties to play at a high level over the course of the game.
The Bengals backed up that philosophy in the offseason. William Jackson III, the best cover cornerback on the team, left in free agency for the Washington Football Team. Instead of replacing him with another true No. 1 cover cornerback, the Bengals added depth.
In the first game of the season on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, Anarumo hopes that approach pays off against a team with one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.
Last season, Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen had 925 receiving yards and averaged 12.5 yards per catch. He’s considered one of the craftiest wide receivers in the league, using his quickness at the line of scrimmage to create big plays and touchdown opportunities.
Opposite Thielen, the Vikings have Justin Jefferson, who had one of the best seasons ever by a rookie wide receiver in 2020. He ranked fourth in the NFL with 1,400 receiving yards, and Jefferson was one of the best down the field receiving threats in the NFL.
On Sunday, the Bengals’ new-look cornerback group will immediately be tested. Cincinnati won’t have its highest paid cornerback. Trae Waynes, possibly the Bengals best starting outside corner, will miss the game with a hamstring injury. As a result, Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton and Eli Apple will be responsible for stopping Thielen and Jefferson.