The Cincinnati Bengals fell to 2-2 after an upset loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the likes of Jordan Battle continued to struggle defensively, the new additions to this defensive line once again played extremely well.
The trio of Boye Mafe, Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen combined for 12 pressures during Sunday’s game. Mafe and Lawrence each recorded a sack during the game.
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Jonathan Allen led the defense in tackles with five tackles on Sunday. He was also the top defensive player in that game with an 80.7 overall grade. He finished with an 82.7 passer rating.
While he was the only one of the trio of guys not to record a sack this week, he was an effective player all game and rushed the pass. His pressure was the reason his teammates were able to come away with sacks during the game as well. He was under considerable pressure on Sunday when Mafe and Murphy both had sacks.
It wasn’t just his passing ability that impressed this week either; it was all he could do against running away. Although he finished with just three tackles, his presence was felt along the defensive line. She and Dexter Lawrence quickly developed a chemistry playing alongside each other.
Speaking of Dexter Lawrence, he was his usual dominant self again this week. Lawrence finished the game with three pressures, three tackles and a sack. It’s not just the numbers on the stat sheet, as Dexter is constantly freeing up defenders to make plays against the run. He also does a good job of making plays against the run.
Dexter is a handful for teams to handle. Most of the time there will be a fist shape trying to block it. His strength got Robert Hainsey off the club in just one game, leaving Hainsey with no choice but to take a clear penalty to protect his defender. This play helped the Jaguars come away with just a field goal after initially getting a 1st and 10 inside the five yard line.
Dexter Lawrence is a sheer force of nature not only with his strength, but also with a lot of effort for a 350 pound guy. Lawrence was able to get the sack by chasing down Trevor Lawrence. That kind of effort goes a long way to setting the tone for your teammates on the defensive line.
Boye Mafe was impressive rushing the passer again this week for Cincinnati. He finished the game with four pressures and one sack. He started the game with a layup, lobbing the ball into the air as he approached Trevor Lawrence. Myles Murphy was close to catching the ball.
Mafe went straight to Chris Jenkins Jr. during the game. suffered another pressure that led to a sack. Mafe beat talented left tackle Anton Harrison to the edge and nearly produced a streak sack on the play.
Mafe was buzzing around the defense on the last possession, they absolutely had to stop. He set the tone for getting one by battling behind the line of scrimmage to start the possession, combining with Jordan Battle.
On a day with a frustrating loss, it’s still clear how much this defensive line has improved. If they can fix the issues in the secondary during the offseason, this defense should have a chance to finish the year in a better place than last season. If they do, it will be because of guys like Lawrence, Mafe and Allen putting in the work all season long.