A year ago, the Green Bay Packers sought a resurgence under an offensive-minded head coach in Matt LaFleur and uncharacteristically spent big on defensive free agents.
This year the team that followed the same path was the…Cincinnati Bengals?
Indeed, the Bengals broke out of their conservative shell a bit this offseason, as noted by The Athletic’s Mike Sando:
“It was also noted that the Bengals, like the Packers last offseason, have funneled resources toward the defensive side under a young offensive-minded coach who might have less say in personnel than his more seasoned and empowered counterparts.”
Those Packers hired LaFleur, then turned around and spent huge money on Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, getting 12 and 13.5 sacks, respectively, in return on the investments.
These Bengals, after a two-win season, retooled the defense in free agency for Zac Taylor by bringing on D.J. Reader, Josh Bynes, Vonn Bell, Trae Waynes and Mackenise Alexander.
Of course, the Bengals have a bigger hill to climb than Green Bay ever did — they’re picking first for a reason. But the fact Taylor and Co. were even free to go out and reshape the entire defense to their liking is a good sign, never mind a sign of just how odd things have been in 2020.
Green Bay, for what it’s worth, rebounded from six wins to win 13 last year, winning a playoff game in the process. The Bengals have a steep task in front of them, but the fact a comparison is even going public is an encouraging note.
