Bengals counting on DL Reader against the 49ers

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader is quietly playing as well as any interior defensive lineman in the NFL.

In fact, Reader has been so good against the run, according to Pro Football Focus, he ranks behind only Allpros Aaron Donald and Cam Heyward. Reader has also recorded 15 quarterback hurries, four hits and one sack.

“He’s the cornerstone of it all,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said of Reader’s play this season.

Reader’s role in the Bengals’ upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers will be especially important.

The 49ers have one of the best schemes in the league, coordinated by head coach Kyle Shanahan, leading to San Francisco ranking No. 7 in rushing yards per game (125.9).

Anarumo said the way Shanahan moves his players around before the snap stresses a defense. The 49ers also involve a number of different players in the run game, including fullback Kyle Juszczyk and wide receiver Deebo Samuel in addition, of course, to Elijah Mitchell at running back.

“They use everybody,” Reader said. “Then use everybody blocking to the ball. They do a really good job with the fullback, all the tight ends. The receivers play really well off it. They get dirty and block. A lot of guys are blocking.”

The Bengals signed Reader in free agency last year to fix their issues stopping the run. He’s done exactly that, and the Bengals rank No. 4 in run defense, giving up 92.5 yards per game. Sunday’s game will be the ultimate test, though.

That’s especially true because Cincinnati will be playing without secondyear linebacker Logan Wilson. Wilson, the Bengals’ top tackler, injured his shoulder in Cincinnati’s loss to the Chargers.

Anarumo said it will be a “collective effort” to replace Wilson’s production, but Reader knows a lot of that falls on him.

“Play the blocks I see, make plays,” said Reader. “Make sure my linebackers are staying clean. Be aggressive, create a picket fence for the defense and make plays. That’s always the job. This week is a bit different, playing a picket fence and not letting guys split tackles.”

KAREEM ELGAZZAR/THE ENQUIRER Bengals defensive lineman D.J. Reader, here fist-bumping coach Zac Taylor, is a big reason Cincinnati is ranked No. 4 in run defense heading into this weekend.