I mentioned this someplace a while back, but my thoughts are that turnovers are getting amplified. A turnover has never in NFL history been more likely to prevent points and more like to produce points.

Since defenders aren't allowed to touch the offense any more, that means that the most valuable player is a ball hawking free safety. He's in the best position to get interceptions without having penalties called on him.

I agree that interior pass rushers are the wave of the future.

As for cornerbacks, I feel like the future is smaller ultra-quick cornerbacks. They can't fight for the ball, so they have the beat the receivers to the ball. This is a risky move, though, given that bigger WRs can be pinpointed over their heads.

You're correct, he signed a 4-year extension before the season.

Yep. Cut off the quick passing game and force turnovers = Fast Interior Lineman + Coverage LBs + Quick DBs that can mirror routes

I think you can still have big press corners. But we need rangier lbs and safeties need to do their job. I don't love Ragland this year.

The big strength we have now that I don't want to go away is versatility. A lot of our defenders can play multiple positions and techniques. The under scheme does a great job of mixing things up. I'm not convinced our current scheme consistently uses our talent the right way.

I'm not seeing that signing anywhere....but if so, bummer. Another like player then...

I googled it and it was pretty easy to find.

Details:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinna...o-atkins-6628/