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Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97), offensive guard Christian Westerman (63), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (99) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 25th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97), offensive guard Christian Westerman (63), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (99) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 25th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23, 2018: Defensive end Carlos Dunlap #96 of the Cincinnati Bengals awaits the snap in the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-18. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23, 2018: Defensive end Carlos Dunlap #96 of the Cincinnati Bengals awaits the snap in the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-18. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

2. Fortify the defensive line

In many ways, the Cincinnati Bengals have not been the same defensive team since Mike Zimmer left to become the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. Yes, the team would go on to make the playoffs that year and win the AFC North in 2015. But it’s been a struggle ever since and things have gotten progressively worse on this side of the football.

Geno Atkins is a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best players at his position in the league. But the club has been far too generous in recent years when it comes to allowing opposing running backs to gouge them on a consistent basis. Over these past three seasons, Cincinnati has ranked 21st, 30th and 29th, respectively, in the NFL in rushing yards allowed.

The Bengals used a pair of fourth-round draft choices on the defensive tackle position in both 2016 and ‘17 in the form of Andrew Billings and Ryan Glasgow, respectively. The former started all 16 games this past season and finished with 32 tackles (8 for losses) and 2.5 sacks. Glasgow was limited to only three games and placed on IR in late September.

On the outside, effective pass-rusher Carlos Dunlap is entering his 10th NFL season, while bookend Michael Johnson can become a free agent in March. The club needs to add more than one piece to this mix.

Next: No. 1

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